tection. The protection is not so much against 
LO sub-zero temperatures, but is done to prevent 
heaving of the soil. Heaving is caused by alter- 
nate freezing and thawing. See drawing below. 

E 
van E» FEEDER ROOTS 
a <___ BROKEN HERE 
J LOWER LAYER OF SOIL _ 
DRY OR NOT SO WET 
Why Mulching is Necessary 
The above drawing, though exaggerated, shows 
how winter injury occurs. During mild periods 
melting snows or rains cause the top layer of soil 
to become wet, then a freezing period causes it 
to expand and heave upward as shown (water 
expands with freezing, as we all know). In the 
average winter this process will be repeated 
several times over with the result that the tender 
feeding roots are torn as shown in the drawing, 
and the damage is fatal. Often bulbs will be 
heaved completely out of the ground by con- 
tinued repetition af this alternate freezing and 
thawing. Mulching prevents these severe alterna- 
tions of temperature, and hence stops heaving. 





The best materials are straw or coarse stable ma- 
nure, but you can use leaves if you will not use 
too many of them. Leaves, since they pack closely, 

These brilliant fel- 
lows almost seem to 

swagger at their own rich display—but they may smother the bulbs. Yes, bulbs do need air. 
are indeed beautiful, and have a right to be Still, in some cases, you can use leaves. A good 
proud. You'll love their brightness and pom- way is to first place down a network of twigs 
over the bulbs to prevent the leaves from pack- 
ing down on them. But, if possible, use a looser 
material, such as straw. Wheat, Rye, or Oat straw 
are fine, and marsh hay also is excellent. 
Glue Parrot 
The ground should be kept frozen, therefore, 
This is the most modest of all the Parrots. In fact, were it not mulch after the first freeze. Many people have 
the impression that mulching is done to keep the 
for his gay ruffles, he could be called demure. The picture tells a Pround fromsrcesing: witereas juecenonoppocte 
lot about him, so why should we bore you with words. PRICES: is true. Mulching is done after the ground has 
2 for 40c; 4 for 63c; 6 for 85c; 7 for $1.00; 12 for $1.53; 18 for frozen and the purpose is to keep it frozen so 
$2.20; 24 for $2.88. that the alternate freezing and thawing will not 
posity. 
occur. The frozen condition does the bulbs no 









FREE damage; it is torn roots that cause winter injury. 
Sees he cae, IMPORTANT! Avoid mulching with stable ma- 
Extra Plants. See page Dig f nure for Narcissi. They usually die from it. It is 
good for Tulips and Hyacinths, but keep it away 
from the growing leaves. Pull it back in the 
spring as soon as leaves appear, or rake off 
entirely to prevent any chance of fire blight. 
Red Champion 
Ked Champtou 
There’s no such thing as a dull day when this 
bright fellow is around. My, doesn’t he seem to 
blaze! Height 22 inches. Blooms large. Midseason. 
PRICES: 2 for 63c; 4 for $1.00; 6 for $1.31; 12 for 
$2.34; 18 for $3.33; 24 for $4.32. 
Black Parnot 
A deep blood-red, black-hearted fel- 
low, and a hale and hearty color. Plant 
with your Sunshine Parrots for striking 
effect. PRICES: 2 for 63c; 4 for $1.00; 
6 for $1.31; 12 for $2.34; 18 for $3.33; 
24 for $4.32. 
[12] 

