The Garden Magazine, October, 1921 



81 



USING BULBS IN MASS PLANTING 



How different from the conventional method of formal figures and exact quantity. Used natural- 

 istically in massed beds bulbs may fittingly be introduced into the most informal groupings 



gleaming white, to blush, and pink, to rose-scarlet, vermilion, 

 deep orange, and tawny hues. 



To describe the Breeders is almost impossible. They must be 

 seen to be appreciated; but briefly they are self-colored, often 

 shaded. In height and size they frequently surpass the Darwins, 

 which in fact are a strain of breeders without any yellow. 



The self-colored flowers, are generally dull-toned or bronze- 

 shaded, and many of them deliciously scented. Colors with- 

 out a counterpart in any other class of Tulips are to be found 

 among them, as well as combinations of color scarcely to be 

 imagined by those who do not know the possibilities of the 

 Breeders. 



Their quiet tones in contrast with the livelier color of the 

 Darwin and Cottage types, give a feeling of rest and repose to 

 those who are sensitive to color in the garden atmosphere. 

 Breeders eventually "break" into fancifully colored flowers 

 more or less striped or splashed. 



There are so many divisions and varieties of Narcissus or 

 Daffodil, that it would be futile to attempt to describe even a 

 small part of them, and besides the Daffodil was abundantly 

 presented in last month's Garden Magazine. Suffice it to 

 say that all have some merit, and are desirable for garden decor- 

 ation. 



The best general soil for them is light and rich with good 

 drainage. The Poeticus, and Burbidgei varieties, most of the 

 Star or Incomparabilis section, and such strong growers as 

 Emperor, and the Large Trumpet Bicolor will flourish in a 

 fairly strong, moist loam. The White Trumpet Daffodils and 

 the smaller kinds require a turfy loam, yet without too much 

 humus. In general Narcissus enjoy a fair amount of sunshine, 

 but like to be shaded for part of the day. The white varieties 

 especially enjoy shade. 



They enjoy particularly growing in grass, and look exceedingly 

 pretty when planted under trees, or around shrubs, on lawns, 

 on the top of grassy banks, or along woodland walks. Many 

 fine varieties that do not succeed in the garden beds and bor- 

 ders succeed admirably in the grass. When set out in the grass 



the arrangement should be as free and natural as if nature had 

 done the planting — in drifts, by preference. 



Considering the Lilies 



SUCCESS with Lilies depends to a great extent upon the 

 selection of proper varieties, and giving them the best 

 possible conditions. While many species demand special 

 conditions for their welfare there are many that will thrive 

 under ordinary garden conditions. Failure is nearly always to 

 be traced to a lack of understanding of the requirements of 

 some particular species, for as a matter of fact no garden is so 

 poor or so moist or shady but that it will successfully grow at 

 least several species. Although all Lilies may be said to enjoy 

 some shade, yet many if given protection about their lower 

 leaves will thrive very well in sunny places. When planting 

 among other plants, take care that their neighbors are not of 

 the rapidly spreading, and strong growing types, for the Lilies 

 resent being crowded. 



The soil for most Lilies (save the marsh dwellers) should be 

 made up chiefly of fibrous loam, leaf-mold, and sand; and this 

 should extend to at least eighteen inches to two feet in depth, 

 good drainage being of course essential. As a further precaution 

 give a cushion and covering of clean sand, to drain away any 

 superfluous water, and at the same time keep the bulb properly 

 moist. 



The depth of planting varies not only according to size but 

 according ^to the habit of growth; i.e. whether they send out 

 fleshy perennial roots from the base of the bulb only, or are 

 stem rooters in addition. The former (of which we have a good 

 example in the Madonna Lily) do not require deep planting, 

 about twice the depth of the bulb being sufficient, nor does this 

 Lily demand rich soil. 



Most Lilies, however, have the stem rooting peculiarity. 

 These roots are vital to the health of the plant, and if they are 

 dried up, or otherwise injured badly the result will be the loss of 

 the bulb. Among the better known stem rooting kinds are 



