Arthur Cowee : Meadowvale Farms : Berlin, N. Y. 
depth, lay down an inch of sand over the exposed surface, set the bulbs at proper intervals, 
pointed side up, replace the soil and firm down thoroughly. Mass effects are best obtained in 
round, oblong or square beds. For cutting purposes plant in single rows, 4 inches apart in the 
row, and rows 12 inches apart, or in double rows 18 inches apart. 
A succession of bloom from the middle of July until frost may be obtained by planting early 
and late varieties together, and also by setting the first bulbs 8 inches apart in the row and two 
or three weeks later making a new planting between these. Gladioli are also very effective in 
clumps and among other plants in the herbaceous border. When used in this way, set the bulbs 4 
to 6 inches apart each way. 
See that the plants have plenty of water when they first appear above ground and later 
when the flower-spikes begin to show color. Keep free from weeds. If this is done they will 
require no other care. However, an occasional stirring of the soil around them will be an 
advantage, as it tends to keep the top-soil finely pulverized, forming a dust mulch which helps 
to retain moisture. 
After the blooming season is over the bulbs should be allowed to ripen. It is not necessary, 
however, to wait for the plants to die before harvesting. They should be lifted carefully, shaken 
free of earth and allowed to dry in the sun for a day or two. Then cut the stalks off close to the 
bulbs, put the latter in open boxes or shallow baskets, and store in a cool, dry place. Through the 
winter examine them occasionally to see that they are not becoming too dry or absorbing too 
much moisture. 
THE BEST OF ALL CUT-FLOWERS 
F OR cutting purposes I know of no other flower to compare with the Gladiolus. Beautiful 
as it is in the garden, it is even more beautiful when cut and tastefully arranged for 
interior decoration. Cut when the first bud shows color, and given fresh water daily, it 
will open every bud to the last one, and this will be as beautiful as the first. 
The stalks should be cut well down toward the base and then placed in tall vases filled with 
clear water. No charcoal or other substance should be used for purifying the water, as the Gladi¬ 
olus will not foul it as some flowers do. Change the water daily, at the same time cutting a small 
piece from the stems. This should be done on a slant as then the water has a freer passage up the 
stems As the lower flowers wither they should be removed, which is easily done by a gentle 
pull. As the lower buds always open first, the symmetry of the spike is preserved to the last. 
The result is a succession of fresh flowers every day for a week and even longer from the same 
spikes. 
One of the many “visiting days” when the Gladioli are in bloom 
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