The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-03-07
THE BULB
BULBOUS PLANTS FOR MINNESOTA GARDENS
r., Auruet Sayonsou 81 PnnI Min.
By Amgnst Smanson, St. Paul, Mimi.

By bulb is meant plant which forms
either true tunicated bulb as an onion,
or hyacinth, or it is formed by scales,
as a lily, but by bulbs used in a CONNER
cial term is meant all those plants which
form q thickened, fesshy bulb under,
dormancy. during which time it may be
kept out Of the ground for longer or
shorter period, depending considerably
on the formation of the bulb itself. also
to some extent upon the temperature
and atmosphere to which it is being, ex-
posed. ts.'.. --"
popular with fower-loving people. There
is a particular charm and interest in
cultivating them. AS a rule they are of
very easy cultivation after their. par
ticular requirements are understood. .
Most dubious plants produce flowers
of remarkable beauty, unsurpassed in
any other class of plants, many Of them
are deliciously fragrant. They comprise
an endless variety, in habit, form, size,
little Pinch high snowdrop, and the 10:
feet high Lillium Giganteum. They
are both true bulbs and both are beau
tiful and, so are thousands Of varieties
between these two extremes. y.
Another reason for their popularity
variety may be grown together on a
not spread, or take up a large room on
top or below the earth. AS rule they
run deep down in the soil with their
roots, and grow straight up with the
stems. -+"
Judging from this, it is very natural
that they enjoy deep; rich and moist
soil. This is really the most Important
requirement for successful cultivation
Of all dubious plants, that they are
given a good, rich, deep soil, and mois;
a little protection, with a covering Of
litter, leaves or even coal ashes will
answer the purpose.
I forgot to say, plant deep also; most
dubious plants like to be planted two to
four inches below the surface, and if
left in the same, place, several years,
mulching Of good soil or well-decayed
stable manure, as they will have a
tendency to be coming nearer the sur
face every year. The frost helps to
lift them up, I think, anyway it is q
fact that all peonies planted four E inches
under the surface will in four years
be up to the surface, and sometimes
exposed to winds and sun in winter
} and this is a great hardship to them
and under such conditions the best re-
: suits cannot be expected.
: Among dubious plants are many that
! are sufficiently hardy to- withstand ou1
I northern winters. The kinds that are
suitable are nearly all more or less dor
} tumn, which is the best time for plant
! ing, which should not, however, be de
ferred until too late in the fall, as ont
) Of the necessary conditions for success il
= = that they have chance to make roots
and get, as we may say, established be
fore winter in their new home. TX
facilitate this it is necessary that thu
: soil is in moist condition 50 they vii
5 emit roots, but if the soil is dry they
! may lay dormant until frost stops thei
growth and finds them in poo
condition to Withstand the long winter
and be ready to respond to the warmth
! Of the sun in the spring, which is rathe
: short spring, the winter general,
: changes abruptly into summer.
Fl AS to location and manner of plant
- ing dubious plants, there is no stric
I rule for that, but generally I shout,
81 say plant them in clumps between AM
) This seems a favorite and most suitabl
I place. for most of them, tho others
( especially stronger growing kinds, suc]
I as peonies. hemerocallis, disentra an,
5 some varieties of lilies, especial,
! speciasum and tigrinum may be PLANTED
& singly or in little colonies in the ope1
= lawn or field with splendid effect.
! berry for most kinds, as here they thriv
I and are easier to take care Of and no
I the least consideration in my estima
) tion is that here they are more apt t
be cut when in bloom, as from such
I situation, one does not hesitate to Gu
! spelling the effect, as would be the cas-
! when planted in more formal beds, a
is the case with most Of plants cult
waited solely for the sake of flowers