GARDEN PRACTICE. 
49 
GARDEN PRACTICE. 
Under this heading we shall deal with all phases of practical 
work that concern the successful management of a flower 
garden. 
Planting:. — Perennials may be planted in September or 
October, or in March or April. The first period is recom- 
mended for light soils, as then the soil is warm and the 
conditions congenial for the successful establishment of 
the plants. Where the soil is of a heavy, damp, and cold 
nature the second period is preferable. The spring sunshine 
and genial showers will then assist the plants to make new 
roots more readily than in the case of autumn planting. 
Winter planting is not recommended ; the soil is then too cold, 
and there is always a risk of the plant dying. When the plant 
arrives, if the roots are in the slightest degree dry, throw them 
into a vessel of water for an hour or so before planting. In 
planting, open a fairly wide hole, spread the roots out evenly, 
cover with fine earth, give a gentle shake, add more soil, and 
press the latter down firmly around the collar of the plant. 
Never make a small hole and thrust in the roots in a bundle. 
Plants with straight, fleshy or tap roots should have holes deep 
enough for them to go down their full length. Plants with 
rhizomatous roots should always have the rhizomes near the 
surface. Alpines are generally supplied in pots. Immerse 
the latter always in water before planting to ensure the soil 
being thoroughly moist, otherwise the plant will afterwards 
wither and die owing to the dryness of the ball of soil. In 
planting pot plants, merely remove the drainage and disentangle 
the lower roots. Bulbs require planting at various seasons 
according to their periods of growth or ripening. The precise 
periods are mentioned in connection with each genus. 
Generally speaking, winter and early spring flowering kinds, like 
Snowdrops, Scillas, Irises, and Chionodaxas, are best planted in 
September ; spring flowering sorts in October or early Novem- 
ber ; summer flowering ones in March or April. Bulbs, like 
Snowdrops and Crocuses, if planted in December, rarely do 
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