3 6 
A FEW FLOWERS 
catalogues, prominent in the “ cultural instructions,” and the same is found in all treatises on the Lily. So well established 
has this opinion become that failure wholly due to this cause is attributed to some unknown one. This opinion is founded 
on the fact that the species denominated hardy are natives of either cold or temperate climates. A more erroneous opinion, 
or one fraught with so much danger to the plant, could not be entertained. The species that are truly hardy in this climate, 
other than those indigenous to the soil, are but few ; indeed, they are the exception, not the rule. While it is true that 
some species are found in the coldest parts of the habitable globe growing most 
luxuriantly, it is equally true that those same species grown here are not hardy to 
that degree which renders it safe to plant them in our borders without protection. It 
is but proper to remark at this time that there is no climate so severe on all bulbous- 
rooted plants, such as are usually considered hardy and left in the open border 
during the winter, as ours. This is particularly applicable to the coast from 
Massachusetts to Virginia, where the thermometer often indicates fifty degrees of 
frost when there is not a particle of snow on the ground for its protection. Here 
the frost penetrates the earth to a great depth one week and is entirely out the 
next. These constant changes from freezing to thawing cause the earth to contract 
and expand to such a degree as to frequently tear the bulbs in pieces. But let us 
be more specific. Take the beautiful little Lilium tenuifolium, a native of Siberia, 
where it is largely grown as an article of food ; in its native habitat it is perfectly 
hardy; here it is not. Why? Simply because in its Siberian home the first 
indication of winter is a snowstorm that covers the ground so deeply that frost 
rarely, if ever, penetrates it at all ; while here the earth is frozen to a depth entirely 
unknown there, notwithstanding their climate is much the colder of the two. The 
same is true of the Lilium martagon, the bulbs of which are largely used by the 
Cossacks as an article of food ; with them, it is perfectly hardy ; with us, in a much 
milder climate, it will rarely survive but a single season unless protected ; and with 
that precaution it grows with more vigor here than in its native home. 
In Vermont, where the ground is nearly always covered with snow during the 
winter season, all kinds of Lilies grow to the greatest perfection. We have seen 
finer bulbs of the Auratum, Brownii, Chalcedonicum, Martagon, and other species 
grown in that State, without the slightest artificial protection, than we have ever 
known produced in any other country. There the Auratum is always healthy, and 
increases as rapidly as any of our native species. 
The question may be asked, and it is a pertinent one, “ Do not our native 
Lilies have the same elements to contend against as those not indigenous to our 
soil, and, having them, escape uninjured ? ” Certainly, yes ; but Nature always pro¬ 
tects her own, and in collecting our native species we see how wisely and beautifully 
it is done. The Superbum is rarely found excepting in woods or marshy grounds ; the 
low-growing trees or shrubs form a complete net-work of roots above and beneath 
the bulbs, affording the most ample protection against the action of the frost, should 
it penetrate the heavy mulching of leaves that Nature has provided for their protec¬ 
tion. The Canadense, or common Lily of our meadows, forms its bulbs very deep, 
usually beyond the reach of frost, and has fora covering a heavy turf, than which there 
can be no better protection. This Lily, in our cultivated fields, is by no means hardy. 
Protection. 1 he protection of a bed of Lilies is a simple and inexpensive operation. The best and most natural 
mulching we have ever used is a covering, say six inches in depth, of newly-fallen leaves ; these kept in their places by a 
few brush or pieces of board. Salt or marsh hay is also an excellent protection ; cornstalks answer a good purpose ; in 
short, whatever material is the most convenient that will accomplish the purpose is the best to use. 
Remedy for Wet Soil. I he next cause of failure of any great importance in Lily culture is in planting in wet 
situations ; too much water around the bulbs in winter is about as injurious to the plant as too many degrees of frost. In 
situations where water covers the ground for any length of time when the bulbs are at rest they will not be likely to succeed ; 
in fact, they will be very liable to perish. There are many gardens that are noted for their productiveness, which cannot 
be planted before the first of May because of too much moisture ; such a one is not the congenial home of the Lily. If 
such a one you have, your remedy is in a raised bed ; this should be at least eighteen inches above the level, and is best made 
in the following manner : Cover a space of the required size with stone, which should be about a foot high, and placed 
irregularly, leaving the space between not more than ten inches in any direction. Between the stones fill in with good, 
strong, rich soil, even with the tops ; on this soil plant the bulbs in the manner I shall soon describe, covering to the depth 
of six inches. 1 he bulbs should not be placed nearer than one foot of the edge of the bed, which should be nicely sodded 
and kept neatly trimmed during the summer. This bed will require mulching during the winter the same as if the bulbs 
were planted in the ordinary border. With these precautions Lilies of all denominations, excepting one or two, can be 
grown in the greatest perfection, and will reward the grower most liberally for all the care and attention given. 
I or the perfect development of the flower a few other precautions are necessary, although good flowers can be 
produced without them. 
