56 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



brave the snows of winter ; the Spanish Iris (/. Xiphiunt), 

 which should be left in the ground undisturbed until the 

 foliage begins to dwindle ; the English Iris (/. xiphioides), 

 flowering later than most other kinds, and if divided 

 every two or three years and planted in light, sandy soil, 

 yielding a rich harvest of graceful bloom. 



Gladioli. — For house decoration these are unequalled. 

 Grouped in jars and bronze vessels with their own 

 sword-like leaves, they are supremely lovely, and have 

 the merit of lasting a long time in water, the flowers 

 opening in succession. Planted in well-drained beds in 

 a sunny position, the majority may remain undisturbed 

 provided they receive the protection of a light mulch 

 during winter ; the longer established, the earlier they 

 bloom and the hardier they become. G. Colvillei (The 

 Bride) is one of the best, the graceful spikes of white 

 flowers producing a charming efix;ct. The popular 

 gandavensis varieties are unfortunately somewhat tender, 

 but if the corms are lifted in winter they will thrive 

 in most warm soils. A selection of variously-coloured 

 forms may be chosen from the ramosus group, and these 

 are perfectly hardy. The hybrid species are the highest 

 development of the Gladiolus, and if some of the named 

 kinds are expensive, others are equally beautiful and 

 comparatively cheap. 



Montbretia. — These are less conspicuous than the 



Gladioli, but are excellent for cutting. M. crocosmae- 



fiora, with orange-scarlet flowers, Etoile de Feu, scarlet, 



and Pottsi grandiflora, scarlet and yellow, are among the 



best. 



Schizostylis (CafFre Lily). — A fine, autumn blooming 

 plant producing spikes of bright crimson flowers. It 

 does best when afforded a sheltered position ; abundant 

 moisture is also essential. 



Dahlias. — These will be grown chiefly in the garden 

 proper, but spare tubers of the single and cactus 



