The Carden Magazine, December, 1920 
183 
longer in partial shade. They need a lighter, richer soil than 
Daffodils, but with reasonable care they are wonderfully fine, 
especially in the central part of the state. Gophers, alas, are 
very fond of the bulbs. 
The early Anemones of the coronaria section and the turban 
Ranunculus are best mentioned here as their dried, dormant roots 
are planted in the fall with the Dutch bulbs. These “poppy” 
Anemones have a range of red, blue, pink, and white, and a 
mixed bed is very gay in March and April. Ranunculus are 
smaller and more double but equally attractive in the scarlet, 
orange, and cream color range. The sparrows are so fond of 
the young growth that in some places they can only be grown 
where protected by wire screen. Both Anemones and Ran- 
unculus roots should be soaked for a few hours before planting. 
If not now available they may be raised from seed, but this 
means starting the previous summer. 
South African Bulbs. A class of bulbs confined to greenhouse 
use in the East but best outdoors in California has its origin in 
South Africa. In it one finds Ixias, dainty flowers on tall, wiry 
stems always swinging in the breeze; Sparaxis and Babianas, 
dwarfer, stockier, but also quite attractive; Tritonia crocata, of a 
fine, deep orange; and Freesias in a beautiful range of soft colors. 
Quarantine 37 has made these bulbs rather harder to get, but 
they are all easy to raise from seed and are thoroughly at home 
in California. All are at their best in April. 
In May we still have South African Gladiolus bulbs of 
the early-flowering type such as Peachblossom, Blushing Bride, 
and the pure white Colvillei. With these in season of bloom 
and in general treatment should be included the Spanish 
Iris. All these bulbs like early fall planting in well drained 
soil in full sun. After they have bloomed they may be left 
without a drop of water until the next rains and they will be 
quite happy. » 
Companion plants for the bulbs. Unquestionably, where space 
is available, all the spring-flowering bulbs are best in a special 
place where they may be forgotten when out of bloom, but in 
small gardens this is not possible. Where planted in the 
flower border, 1 have found that Daffodils or Tulips put four or 
five inches deep and about six inches apart may be interplanted 
with Spanish Iris, Ixias, or early Gladiolus planted two or three 
inches deep; thus a double crop of bloom is secured in the same 
space. A sowing of such hardy annuals as Calliopsis or Lark- 
spurs made in March will still further put off the day when that 
area will be a bald spot in the border. 
Summer Bulbs 
Of the larger bulbous plants which bloom in summer, the 
Watsonias, in white, rose, salmon-pink, and orange-red are well 
worth planting at the proper season, which is September. They 
make very early growth, though they rarely flower before May. 
The large hybrid Gladiolus may be had in bloom from May to 
October by judicious planting beginning in autumn and con- 
tinuing until June. Those who have never grown the dainty 
primulinus hybrids have a treat ahead of them. For house 
decoration they excel all others. 
Of Lilies, which bloom chiefly in June and July, it can only 
be said here that practically all prefer, in California, at least 
partial shade, a loose, porous soil, and summer moisture. The 
conditions for a good Fern bed suit the majority of Lilies. 
In July and August we see the striking rose-pink of Amaryllis 
belladonna in the garden. As this is a plant which loses its 
leaves before it blooms, it should for good effect always be faced 
by another plant which will hide its bare stems, not planted as 
an edging as is so often done. Clumps of Agapanthus um- 
bellatus are also at their best in midsummer, their large umbels 
THE CALIFORNIA GARDEN IS THE SUPPORT OF THE "MOVIE STAR” 
Heather on the left with a carpet of Wild Strawberry; Veronica, Genista and Catalina 
Cherry in the background (“A Sporting Chance” with Ethel Clayton, Paramount Picture) 
