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THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA 
THE 
GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 
OF AMERICA. 
Published by 
THE CHRONICLE PRESS, Inc. 
Office of Publication 
286 FIFTH AVE., NEW YORK 
MARTIN C. EBEL, Editor. 
EDITORIAL OFFICES— MADISON, N. J. 
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF 
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GARDENERS 
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PARK SUPERINTENDENTS 
Subscription Price, 12 Months, $1.50 
Foreign, $2.00 
Entered as second class matter Nov. 3, 1914, at the Post Office at New 
York, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. 
Published on the 15th of each month. 
Advertising forms close on the 1st preceding publication. 
For advertising rates appl.v to 286 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. All 
editorial matter should be addressed to M. C. Ebel, Editor, Madison, N. J. 
Vol XXI 
June, 1917 
No. 6 
THE MODERN GLADIOLUS. 
'T^HE gladiolus is the most beautiful, adaptable and use- 
ful flower in the whole range of modern floriculture, 
writes H. H. Grof¥ in The Canadian Florist. It is the 
most beautiful because it embraces every known color in 
unexcelled fjurity and intensity, and also tens of thou- 
sands of combinations of these in every possible shade, 
variation and modification, not only of the primary colors, 
but in many thousands of examples peculiar to itself. 
It is adaptable for the reason that it will thrive under 
a greater variation in condition in soil, climate and loca- 
tion, than any other flower of such desirable qualities. 
Local conditions can be overcome by methods that are 
to-day the basic principles of modern and scientific agri- 
culture. In other words, be sufficiently interested in the 
success of your effort to conform to its simple demands, 
and the prize is yours. It will be valued more highly by 
you because you have achieved, which, after all, is the 
highest and best incentive in human endeavor. 
The spikes of bloom when properly prepared for a few 
days in water, give an effect and a result in decorative 
beauty that is impossible to fitly portray in this brief 
recital, of that which has earned itself the title of the 
people's flower. 
The period of bloom as a cut flower is largely under 
the control of the user. Its use in this respect can be 
extended infinitely beyond that of any other flower, while 
in table decoration for eft'ect and usefulness it has no 
equal. 
The gladiolus is not exacting in its demands upon the 
soil. I have grown it on one block of land yearly for over 
fifteen years, the only fertilizer used being well-rotted 
stable manure and hardwood ashes applied before plough- 
ing in the autumn. No fertilizers are needed on strong 
new soils as a rule. 
Profuse watering at intervals is desirable where local 
peculiarities of soil and limited rainfall prevail during the 
season of active plant growth and blooming. A brief 
period of ripening hardens the plant tissues and assures 
flowers and spikes of increased durability and quality. 
Excessively succulent growth is not beneficial to plant, 
flower or corn. 
For best results, plant in full exposure to the sun, in 
locations having free circulation of air, avoid crowding 
by other plants or overshadowing by trees, buildings or 
hedges. Plant from two to four inches deep according 
to the size of the corms — matured corms never less than 
four inches — two to four inches apart in double rows, 
which may be made as close as twelve inches in beeds or 
borders. 
Cut the spike when the first flower opens and place in 
water without overcrowding. Remove the terminal buds 
soon, as this checks stalk development and throws the 
strength into the larger and earlier maturing flowers. 
The end of the stalk should be shortened and the water 
removed daily with frequent cleansing of the vases. In 
shortening the stalk, cut diagonally to insure free absorp- 
tion of water by the spike without the contamination and 
obstruction, caused by sediment, if cut at a right angle. 
The fact that blooming the spikes in the shade of room 
or piazza modifies the field colors, from bright shades 
and tints to delicate flushes and shadings, also reducing 
the latter types to the faintest tinge of color or white, 
is well known to experienced growers. 
To ensure this desirable result, place the vases of the 
highly colored types in the early morning sun for an hour 
or two daily, preferably after renovation and renewal of 
the water. This practice will also enable the retention 
and normal presentation of the original delicate tints and 
shadings referred to, if so desired. 
As it takes about three days after cutting to bring the 
spikes into strong blooming condition, this should be 
allowed for in advance of the date of intended use. The 
spikes can be shipped a thousand miles by standing them 
on end in suitable baskets or boxes. On arrival, cut otT 
the end of the stalk, and remove the terminal buds before 
placing in water. They will then revive quickly and with 
proper care give pleasure for a week or more. 
SEEDTIME AND HARVEST. 
Through winter frost and summer dew. 
By garnered wealth and famine blight ; 
The ancient pledge of God stands true, 
Sealed on His sevenfold of light. 
^^'hat though the golden year's increase 
Be blasted once or twice again? 
Seedtime and harvest shall not cease ; 
The soil shall feed the sons of men. 
O, ye who stay your hearts in trust 
Upon that primal pledge of earth, 
The rhythms of sun and star and dust. 
The blessing of the harvest's birth — 
Can ye not trust a little more 
The patience of His slow-wrought plan 
\\'ho built the carven coral shore. 
And fashioned earth a home for man? 
Shall not His love supply the need 
Of heart and mind and soul for bread? 
Shall the great God who stoops to feed 
The ravens leave His child unfed? 
Our souls have known their famine years; 
Our hearts have thirsted for His rain; 
Yet ever answering our fears 
His hour of reaping came again. 
O, trust Him in the days of dearth, 
O, praise Him in the frost and dew. 
The Lord who gives the fruits of earth. 
Shall bring the heart's full harvest too. 
M. Earle. 
