Efficiency in the Flower Garden 
THE BULBS TO PLANT NOW LOR SPRING BLOOMING—WHAT NATURALISTIC PLANTING REALLY IS— 
THE HARDY LILIES—PEONIES AND PHLOX 
F. F. Rockwell 
I F the planting fever were as strong in autumn as it is in April 
and May, there would be little necessity for stating the case 
for the fall planting of lilies, bulbs and hardy tubers. But in 
spite of the fact that this class of flowers gives greater and more 
certain results in proportion to the time and money one has 
to spend on them than any others, the planting of these things 
is not nearly so universal as the setting out of potted plants or 
pansies or seeds, that may or may not come up in the spring. 
It is not the cost that deters people from planting them — first- 
class bulbs, for instance, may be bought in quantities for a frac¬ 
tion of a cent apiece. The lily bulbs, which cost more, will last 
indefinitely, and even if no more than three or four of them are 
used, will add materially to the looks of the grounds during the 
comparatively long season in which they are in bloom. Iris, both 
the German and the Japanese sorts, are to be found in many 
gardens; but comparatively few of the newer varieties are used. 
The iris is so hardy, and increases so rapidly of its own free 
will, that where a clump of one sort has once become well estab¬ 
lished, it is likely to supply all of the plants of this beautiful 
flower that one feels he has room for, unless one has actually 
seen some of the wonderful new sorts, with their wide range 
of color, form and season of bloom. Aim to have at least six, 
and, if possible, more varieties in your garden. Many of the 
best sorts can be bought for fifteen cents apiece; but even this 
small outlay is not necessary if you have garden friends who 
are also interested in this splendid flower, which is all the better 
for taking up, separating and replanting in the fall. 
All of these possess great adaptability and give a wide scope 
to the skill of the gardener in planting unusual and pleasing 
effects. With bulbs, for instance, the method of planting known 
as “naturalizing," while it has come into general use on large 
estates, has been so far quite overlooked in the planning of small 
gardens. This is neglecting a great opportunity. Effects just 
as desirable can be achieved on the small place, if proper pre¬ 
cautions are taken to get the really naturalistic appearance. This 
you will not do if you follow the advice so generally given, of 
throwing the bulbs about by the handful and planting them 
where they fall. Nature in her most enthusiastic or fantastic 
efforts at gardening never planted bulbs in that way! In this, 
as in other efficient methods of gardening, “that art is greatest 
which conceals itself," and the most naturalistic effect is gained 
by artificial means. Under proper conditions of growth bulbs 
propagate in colonies or small clumps — some larger, some smaller, 
and at various distances from each other. Before you begin 
planting, locate these groups by placing a number of small stakes, 
or stones of various sizes, from two or three to several feet apart, 
where the bulbs are to be naturalized. These can be moved 
about with very little trouble, thus getting through the "mind’s 
eye" a pretty accurate idea of how the bulbs will appear when 
in bloom next year. The various narcissi, including daffodils 
and jonquils (especially Poeticus ornatus ) are used successfully 
in naturalizing. Hyacinths should be taken up every year to give 
the best results, and tulips usually require lifting every second 
or third year; moreover, they are for the most part too stiff 
and formal looking to be effective when used in this way. For 
lawns that are kept cut, the extra early flowering bulbs in the 
spring — crocuses, snowdrops and scillas — give the most satis¬ 
factory results. These are very hardy and quite ideal for natural¬ 
izing. In addition, they are so inexpensive that they can be 
used in large numbers, even where the cost must be carefully 
considered. 
For formal beds and semi-formal effects in the mixed border, 
or for straight lines along the paths or around the base of the 
house, hyacinths are the most dependable bulbs to use, because 
of their remarkable uniformity in height, color and time of 
(Continued on page 53) 
Aim to have at least six or more varieties of iris in your garden. Many of the best sorts, with a wide range of color, form and season of bloom, can be bought for 
fifteen cents apiece 
