HARDY SUMMER AND AUTUMN FLOWERING BULBS. 



coarseness about the flowers which renders them loss desirable than the 

 other hybrids I have named. The Gladiolus gundaver^sis varieties are 

 so well known as to need Little description ; suffice it to say that their 

 stately spikes of bloom make a pleasing effect in the hardy-flower border, 

 associated with other plants, while they carry on a succession of bloom 

 right into October. 



A word as to the culture of the Gladiolus. A deep and well-drained 

 soil with a sunny aspect is necessary. The soil should be prepared 

 some time previous to putting in the bulbs by deep digging, and a, Liberal 

 addition of well-decayed manure. The best time for planting is from 

 the middle of March to the end of April, according to locality, although 

 for securing a succession of bloom the bulbs may be put in up to the end 



Fig. 207. — LlLItTM AURATUM. 



of May. The tops should lie four inches below the surface, and it is ad- 

 \ isable to surround the bulbs with charcoal or wood ashes. As soon as the 

 plants require support they should be staked and at the same time 

 mulched w ith well-decayed manure. During dry weather give the plants 

 liberal waterings. If the above directions are carried out a, successful 

 growth should be the result. To obtain a fine effect Gladioli should be 

 grown in clumps of five to twelve or even more, and be associated with 

 Lilies, Hyacinthdis candicans, Kniphofias, Dahlias, Can nas, Uoses, lAmkias, 

 and other border plants. I would just mention that the Gladiolus makes 

 a fine pot-plant and can easily be grown as such. 



Lilium.—Ot Lilies for this month L. auratum naturally claims our 

 first notice as being indeed a queen among flowers and having no rival in 

 the hardy border for its stately beauty. Moreover, it is one of the most 



