BIGGLE GARDEN BOOK 



Aster : The various annual varieties permit of 

 a blooming season from July until frost. Sow seed 

 in window boxes in early spring and transplant in 

 May ; or sow the earlier kinds outdoors in late 

 April. 



Canna : Not easy to grow from seed (see hints 

 under Moonflower). Better buy roots of a seeds- 

 man. Set in rich, moist soil about fifteen inches 

 apart May 15th, or when danger of frost is over. 

 In the fall after a heavy frost, cut off tops near the 

 ground ; later, before ground freezes, dig roots, dry 

 them well in the sun, and store in a cool cellar. The 

 roots need dividing every year or so. 



Dahlia : May be grown from seed, but most 

 people prefer to buy roots of a seedsman and plant 

 out about May 15th, or when the weather is warm 

 and settled. Earlier bloom may be secured by start- 

 ing the roots in boxes in the house three weeks ahead 

 of outdoor planting time. Tie the plants to stakes, 

 for support. Have the ground rich. When frost 

 threatens in the fall, cover the plants with cloths or 

 papers at night and thus prolong the blooming sea- 

 son until late. After frost has blackened the vines, 

 cut them off near the ground. Dig the roots on a 

 sunny daj^ dry them well, and store in a cool cellar. 

 The roots may be divided from time to time, and the 

 surplus used or sold. (Divide with a sharp knife; 

 see that a part of old stem, with a bud, is attached 

 to each tuber.) 



Gladiolus : Plant the bulbs in late April about 

 three inches deep and six inches apart. The flower 

 stalks often need some support. Successive plantings 

 may be made until July ist, if a long season of bloom 

 is desired. After frost comes, dig the bulbs, and 

 when well dried in the sun cut off each stalk about 



