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ordinary garden border. Calochortuses grow naturally in regions 
rainless in summer and where dormant plants waken into growth in 
the fall under the influence of moisture, but not necessarily of a high 
temperature. They are hardy here without protection but must be 
classed with those bulbs whose foliage will not always endure the 
rigor of our winters. The successful growth of such bulbs requires that 
after being thoroughly ripened in the early summer they shall be kept 
perfectly dormant so late in the year that no foliage can appear above 
the ground until early in the ensuing spring. The simplest and safest 
procedure is to lift the bulbs after ripening foliage indicates dormancy, 
and store them in dry earth in a warm dry place, and plant out when 
the ground has lost its warmth which in this locality is in November. 
Under such treatment they grow and flower well here even in soil too 
hard to work in dry weather and with no other attention than that 
already suggested. Of course one does not plant bulbs in manured soil 
or soil rich in humus which will hold water andfermeht to tlieirinjury.” 
Culture in England: 
A successful grower in London “Garden” writes: “A large raised 
bed, formed in November, and sloping to the south, was composed of 
leaf mold and road grit in equal parts, with a similar portion of sharp 
sand. The bulbs were planted three inches deep, and the whole bed 
was covered with reeds to throw off the heavy rains and keep the soil 
open. Many young growths appeared early in January, and by the 
end of February nearly all were showing above ground. The reeds 
were then removed. In my opinion a good many failures to grow 
calochorti may be attributed to late planting. The main points in the 
culture of calochorti are early planting, a light porous soil, sunny 
position, protection from heavy winter rains, (but not coddling), 
plenty of water whilst in full growth, and through ripening of the 
bulbs in August, either bv taking them up or placing lights over them.” 
I would add that experience in England is tending to show that 
late planting is often best. 
1 find that Calochorti which are subject to mildew do better if 
planted in January or February. This is especially true of the desert 
species such as C. Kennadyii, C. Nuttallii and C. macrocarpus. For 
these I would always recommend late planting. 
Culture of Erythroniums . 
These are hardy anywhere. They like a shady place, and requires 
good drainage. The soil recommended for Calochortus meets their 
needs well, but thev will grow in any good loam. Be sure that your 
bulbs are kept fresh. Some sorts dry out quickly and it will not do to 
leave them exposed to the air or in a dry place. Your success will 
depend largely on starting with plump solid bulbs, and eail}' planting 
is desirable. 
