COMMONPLACE NOTES. 



btrgti Mowers." When now varieties are desired recourse in had to Med 

 lowing, "and the Heed is harvested before the .seed-pods are yellowed and 

 broken. Early in the next spring the seed is sown on the prepared 

 seed-bed on the land and watered every morning. When the plants have 

 attained a few inches in height a little weak fertiliser is supplied, and 

 on a cloudy day in the rainy season they are transplanted. The flowers 

 are produced by this method in two years, fertiliser being given twice in 

 the spring before the flower stalks come up, but if the management is 

 not good the flowers are not produced until the third year." 



SEED G EE.UINATION. 



Probably many pots and pans of seeds are annually thrown away 

 because, after the lapse of several months, there is no sign of any germina- 

 tion, and it is concluded that the seed was bad. Even practical gardener! 

 sometimes lose patience and throw them out. In many cases it is the 

 correct thing to do, as most kinds of seed will germinate quickly after 

 sowing, and if they do not, it is useless to keep them ; but, on the other 

 hand, some seeds will be months before they germinate. For instance, 

 Primula japonica often remains dormant eighteen months, Gunncra 

 matlicata seldom germinates in less than eight months, Helleborux usually 

 takes the same length of time, L ilium giganteum sown November 1000 

 commenced germinating very freely in February 1908, while L. Grayi 

 and Carrcasxm esculenta were each a year in starting. Some of the 

 Gentianas, Ericas, <vc, are equally slow in moving, and we would suggest 

 more patience with such seeds than is usually exercised ; in many 

 instances patience will meet with its due reward. 



C'OLCHICL'MB. 



The question whether any special treatment is given to the Colcbicums 

 at Wisley is often asked, as they are always so fine. The answer is : 

 "Nothing is done." iioth in the border and in short and compara 

 tively long grass in the Gardens they grow and rlower profusely ev-ry 

 year without any manure, and they are never disturbed. We believe 

 it is a mistake to lift or disturb the bulbs, as those which have been 

 planted for many years are always finer than newly planted ones. For 

 the wild garden few bulbs are hi useful, as their blossoms are produce/1 

 when outdoor flowers are becoming scarce. The end of July or early in 

 August is the best time to plant the bulbs ; if left later, root action has 

 commenced, and they are not so fine in flower or foliage in the first 

 year. Colchicum tpeeioiwn (fig. 96) has the largest flower, and seems to 

 be far the best for growing in masses in grass or in the border, as jr. 

 thrives equally well in heavy or light soil, loose or hard ground, and in 

 almost any position. Its variety album is one of the most beautiful and 

 striking of all autumn flowers. Colcbicums like a damp spot, but not one 

 actually wet. 



CeLEKIAC, OK Tl'KMP-EOOTEJJ CeEEKV. 



It is strange that this delicious vegetable is not more generally grown, 

 as it is easy of cultivation, is excellent loth as a vegetable or as a 



