Water Lilies for A Garden 



There are no flowers that are easier to grow than water lilies, and 

 none that equals them in range of color and delicacy of perfume. 



To grow water lilies successfully in a garden, there are three req- 

 uisites — quiet water, open sunshine, and rich soil. 



If one wishes to add to a garden the charm of water lilies, the sim- 

 plest method is the introduction of a cement pool. If a carefully selected 

 site be chosen, and the pool built to conform to the rest of the garden, 

 one is sure to be charmed with results. The rectangular pool is the least 

 expensive, but one with a natural outline is more artistic. In either case 

 the pool should be at least two feet deep with sides slightly slanting out- 

 ward at the top so that the formation of ice will not crack the cement. 

 Always avoid the use of a coping (unless the garden be formal), allowing 

 the grass to come directly to the edge of the water. 



The simplest way to plant in a concrete pool is to provide boxes about 

 two feet square by one foot deep, with rich soil. Cow manure is the best 

 fertilizer, but Vigoro, a complete plant food, mixed 1 lb. to a bushel of 

 soil, supplies all necessary elements. For established plants, apply about 

 four heaping teaspoonsful to each plant. Place one water lily root in 

 each box, covering up to the crown of the plant. Then cover with an inch 

 of sand or gravel to prevent discoloration of the water, and also to 

 prevent the fish digging around the roots. 



Hardy lilies will blossom in about six weeks from the time of planting, 

 and will bloom from May until September. The water should be from 

 nine to twelve inches over the crown of the plants. If tender water lilies 

 be planted they will come to you with the ball of earth in which they have 

 been started. They need only to be placed in the soil, just as you would 

 repot any plant, remembering that the richer the soil, the finer the flowers. 



If it be desired to beautify a natural pond, one must place the roots in 

 the soil at the bottom, being sure that they do not float up, placing stones 

 on them if necessary to insure their permanence. If protected from water 

 fowl or other depredators until established, they will then take care of 

 themselves. 



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