32 HAND BOOK FOR THE GARDEN 

After the tops dry up they should be cut off with a sharp knife 
or pruning shears. At this time also, the bulbs may be separated and 
the small side growths, of bulblets removed. The latter may be 
handled like the big bulbs. Then the bulbs are placed in paper bags, 
sawdust or sand to prevent them from becoming too dry. Lastly, 
remove to a storage room having a temperature of about 35 degrees 
to prevent sprouting. 
Hardy Lilies 
In general fall planting is recommended for lilies, but the Japan- 
ese varieties do not usually reach this country before late November 
or December. The bulbs are shipped as soon as possible but cannot 
be dug until they are ripe. 
For this reason it is advisable to mulch the ground heavily where 
these are to be planted and thus keep it open. Otherwise they may 
be planted in the early Spring. Set bulbs of the large Japanese va- 
rieties ten or twelve inches deep in rich, well drained soil with a 
handful of sand under each bulb. Plant the large bulbs 18 inches 
apart and the small ones 6 inches. Cover with a deep layer of leaves 
or straw each Autumn. 
Iris 
Plant in a sunny location, setting the roots quite shallow. They 
will be ready for planting from March to May and can also be supplied 
from September to November. 
Peonies 
Set the roots slanting 3 to 4 feet apart each way, with the topmost 
buds 4 inches below the surface. They will generously repay good 
care; keep the soil loose and free from weeds but use manure spar- 
ingly and only after the ground is frozen. A few handfuls of bone 
meal worked around the crowns will greatly improve the blooms. 
Peonies do best in a sunny location and should be left undisturbed 
for years. They may be planted from April to May and September to 
November. 
Hardy Phlox and Other Perennials 
Should be set out in April and May. These plants grow larger year 
after year. As the plants become stronger the blossoms increase in 
number and size, reaching their highest development about the third 
or fourth year. 
On this account they require liberal ‘feeding’ and do much better 
when well composted manure is forked in around the base each Fall, 
and bone meal in the Spring. After 4 or 5 years the clump is likely to 
become rootbound so it is well to divide each one, having several 
eyes or growing shoots on each division. The outside rootshoots 
should haverextra good care since they will produce the best plants. 
