CULTURE 



The lilac is one of those generous shrubs which gives much and 

 asks but little in return. Like most everything else, however, it 

 responds greatly to extra care and attention, and a little time and 

 thought well applied will result in shapelier plants, more and 

 larger flowers and cleaner growth. 



Planting. Upon receipt of newly purchased plants from the 

 nursery, unpack carefully, taking care not to break or rub off the 

 buds. If gound is not yet prepared, heel them in (cover the roots) 

 with moist, loose soil. Never allow the roots to become dry. 

 Ground in which they are to be planted should be prepared to a 

 depth of two to two and one-half feet, and about three feet in 

 diameter. Any good soil is alright; if a bit sandy, so much the 

 better — but not pure sand. Heavy soils and clay are unfit for 

 lilacs, and should be removed or made over. A mixture of well 

 rotted manure and soil in the bottom of the hole will be of great 

 benefit in future years. The spot for planting having been prop- 

 erly prepared, fill in with loose soil until the space left will readily 

 accomodate the roots. Spread these out very carefully, downward 

 and outward in all directions, filling in about them with fine soil. 

 If quite dry, water well before filling in completely with the soil. 

 This will help settle the dirt below and around the roots. After 

 the plant has been completely set. pack the surface well with the 

 foot. If rains fail to come within two or three days, water well. 

 Observe the point to which the soil came up on the plant in the 

 nursery, and plant an inch or so deeper. Drainage is on important 

 consideration. Lilacs resent wet or poorly drained soil, and will 

 be an utter failure if an attempt is made to grow them in such a 

 situation. Allow plenty of room. If you wish them to attain per- 

 fection and symmetry of growth, do not place them where other 

 shrubs or trees crowd them. Never plant them less than six or 

 eight feet apart — ten or twelve would be better. 



Cultivation. This is simple. Planted as outlined above, they 

 will require nothing special in the way of cultivation. Always 



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