24 



OF HYACINTH AND OTHER BULBS. \_March. 



OF HYACINTH AND OTHER BULBS. 



Towards the end of tlie month, if the weather proves 

 favorable, the covering should be partially taken off from the 

 Hyacinths, Tulips, and other bulbous roots. It sometimes 

 occurs that, by careless planting in the autumn, they are 

 thrown above ground by the frost, especially if the ground 

 is inclined to moisture, and they not being deep enough 

 planted : if such is the case, cover them with decayed leaves, 

 old tan, or soil, whichever is most convenient; if not done, 

 the sun and air will overpower the bulbs, and although the 

 fibres have hold of the ground^ the flowers will be misera- 

 bly weak. 



MARCH, 



As soon as the frost is entirely gone, uncover all plants 

 or shrubs that have been protected, preserving carefully such 

 of the mat-erials as will answer the same purpose next sea- 

 son. Cut off all decayed shoots, or such as have been hurt 

 by the frost. The Lagerstroemias will flower in greater per- 

 fection, if they are pruned closely ; that is, cut the shoots 

 of last year to within two or three eyes of the wood of the 

 previous year, at the same time having regard to the regular 

 and natural shape of the bush. Cut off the injured foliage 

 of any of the evergreens that have suffered by the severity 

 of the winter, but leave every green part which is essential 

 to the support of this kind of plants. It is expected that 

 all pruning of the shrubbery is finished ; if not, get all ex- 

 peditiously done according to directions given in the preced- 

 ing months. All work that can be done in this month 

 should not be delayed, such as hoeing, digging, raking, and 

 clearing away all leaves and litter of every description that 

 have been brought or blown into the garden during autumn 

 or winter. 



