34 
CARL PURDY, UKIAH, CALIFORNIA 
CULTURE OF CALOCHORTI AND BRODI^EAS 
Let the bed be slightly raised with perfect drainage. Any loam whether sandy or 
tending to clay will do and a light coat of well-rotted, rather old manure may be used. 
If heavy soil is lightened with either sand, grit, leaf-mold, or even such light ma- 
terial as spent tan- bark, it is better. Plant 2 to 2]/> inches deep and from 2 to 3 inches 
apart. Water in winter and spring only when really showing need, but toward flowering- 
time water liberally. After flowering, water moderately for a few weeks and then dry 
off until fall. If the bulbs are dug after ripening and reset in early fall, all the better. 
Gophers are fond of all of these bulbs and if a small number are planted it is safer 
to plant in large boxes with say 10 inches of soil. Or a fence can be made around the 
bed by digging a ditch 2 feet deep and setting close i-inch mesh chicken netting upright 
in the ditch and then filling in the soil. 
In the East they are better planted in coldframes the same as other half-hardy bulbs. 
Do not coddle as they are all but hardy in the East. 
In pots, plant and treat exactly as Hyacinths or Tulips, only giving longer for 
developing when brought out to flower. Six to twelve to the 6-inch pot. 
I would like to have you note especially the list of Irises on pages 14 £0 20. Some 
of the latest introductions are included. 
Giant Dog's-tooth Violets (Erythronium californicum) are of a rich creamy tint. 
Imagine the beauty of thousands dotted among low ferns and wood plants 
