28 
HORNBERGER’S HOME AND GARDEN SERVICE 
heavy foliage, had the greatest resistance to freezing, as it seemed practically unfrozen. 
That held good for Alight and Embers also, both sports of Aflame. 
Any person who digs late in the season can observe these or similar results. 
EXCEPTIONAL KEEPERS 
Here are some varieties that florists report as outstanding as keepers when used as 
cut flowers: Mrs. F. C. Hornberger, Minuet, Lights of Gold and Dr. F. E. Bennett. Flor¬ 
ists who have a large outlet for “Floral Design” work should try Minuet, Mrs. F. C. Horn¬ 
berger, and Lights of Gold for this type of work and compare them for this purpose AS 
KEEPERS with most any other popular commercials; in particular with Picardy, Was- 
aga, and others of softer texture. 
This is no reflection on Picardy, which is and will continue to be in great demand by 
florists, because it has so many good traits all combined in one variety. However, while 
very fine, there are still some traits or characteristics where other varieties are superior. 
For example, a freeze that will freeze the plant and foliage of Picardy, will leave Aflame 
unharmed. Picardy, while one of the fastest propagators known, and which produces 
some of the finest and largest bulbs, fairly resistant, still, no matter how fine your stor¬ 
age, you will find some decayed bulbs. This condition is not disease, but as with apples 
and potatoes, there are some that will decay from a cut or bruise more quickly than other 
varieties. Picardy is one of the finest as a cut flower; however, in extremes of heat it 
will not perform like the varieties we mention as the best keepers. 
DO NOT OVER-IRRIGATE 
Experimental work has proven that even when using fast draining soils, over irri¬ 
gation is detrimental. In fact, often where there is a distinct shortage of water to an 
extent to mildly approach drought conditions, results will be superior to over irrigated 
fields. 
Water is applied to so many type soils all having different sub-soil conditions which 
regulate drainage, that no grower can tell you how much to water or irrigate. Garden 
peas, growing on well drained lands, often yellow and become worthless in long continued 
“wet spells.” This indicates that you must study your own soils, and must use your 
own judgment as to how much water to apply. Quick draining sand or gravel will require 
more water than more heavy type soils. On the other hand, two fields of sandy land, 
practically the same on the surface, may have sub-soil conditions so vastly different as; 
to require different quantities of water to secure equal results. 
SOIL WARMTH is important. A large number of plants and seeds require warm 
soil conditions for best development; shallow, frequent waterings tend to reduce the soil 
warmth or temperature. The best plan of watering is to use it only when there is a dis¬ 
tinct shortage of natural rainfall, and then when you do water, apply enough water to 
every square foot watered, that it will reach below the roots of whatever kind of plant 
you are watering. For example, if your bulbs are planted four inches deep, and you irri¬ 
gate them and just guess at results, you many find, upon investigation, that your water 
did not penetrate on the average more than three to three and one-half inches deep. For 
reasons stated, be sure to study this problem from every possible angle. 
Remember also, that moisture requirements are largely determined by evaporation. 
Your same garden will need more water in July and August than is required in April or 
September. This estimate is for the northeastern states. Each great division or sub¬ 
division of the United States has its particular soil and climatic influence on whatever 
vegetation grows in these particular belts. 
DO YOU WISH US TO SUBSTITUTE—SIZE or VARIETY". Be sure to make this 
notation on the order. Space is provided on the blank. 
BE ON GUARD 
Due to the indiscriminate mixing of stocks from every section of the United States, 
the hazard of receiving fungus rot is greatly increased, and regardless of any state inspec¬ 
tion, and by this I mean the average so-called blanket inspection. The blanket inspection is 
indicated by the printed statement on a tag or label with a certificate number telling 
you the stock was inspected under state supervision. This means little more than the 
fact that the grower using this blanket inspection slip is merely privileged to ship inter¬ 
state. If you have been depending on these printed statements, it is time you ignored 
them and depend on your own inspection of every lot of bulbs you receive, and be sure to 
inspect your bulblets as thoroughly as you do your bulbs. 
