Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-10-23


for the season. But those who have in
previous years planted plenty of hardy
bulbs know that after all it will not
be so very long before the earliest OF
spring flowers appear. In point OF
fact, many of them are really har-
bingers OF that season, for they bravely
gladden. our hearts before the almanac
date of spring.
There are many who, although they
may have something in the way OF
flowers for a month or two in summer,
do not realize what can be accomplished
in the way Of having beautiful living
things in their gardens for at least nine
months Of the year, to say nothing of
evergreens and shrubs having brilliant
colored bark are very effective.
In gardening one is always looking
ahead, the effects of today are the prod
ucts Of causes set in motion at some
previous period. and SO. to have spring
flowers. the work of preparing for them
must be done the previous autumn. For
those who in past years have not made
paintings of hardy bulbs few brief
notes in connection with them may be
acceptable
Practically all spring flowers out of
doors are produced from bulbs. than
which nothing is more satisfactory. botn
as regards effect and ease of culture
"bulbs." but the term is sufficient. in
the minds of most. to classify plants
that store up in their f1eshy roots"
enough food in one season to carry
in the next. which is all that is neces-
sary for practical purposes. as shown
by the fact that many of them produce
flowers to perfection in nothing but
pure water although in tnis case the
bulbs. are of little use afterward.
To have any of the lovely enectS
capable Of being produced by bulb
planting the work must, as limited
above. be done now. or at least before
winter sets in. October is perhaps the
best time in this section. although If
left undone, November is not too late.
If the ground remains unfrozen.
food sufficient to produce flowers if sup
plied with moisture only. but the Nnw-
org are, in nearly all cases. actually
formed within the bulb at the tine 1t
Is received from the merchant, and the
nualitv of the flower-in fact its very ex
upon the good culture
# received during the previous growing
season. and if the flower is not already
in the bulb it is beyond the power of
any one to bring Il out. ihese remarks
rsfer more especially to hvacinths, and
~ is the cost of the preparatory care
and civilizations that puts higher value
on the best bulbs. because the latter al
Uays produce the best flowers. But, after
al
torv. IF spring flowers, especially for out
door planting. as they are. only at their
best for one year, while those to which
special attention is drawn are pc -manent
and are also, in our opinion. more beau
tiful.
Although the flower is formed and has
a store of food ready for its sustenance.
vet proper conditions are necessary SO
yba+ the food can be utilized and the
flower develop to its highest possibilities
For this two things are of main fmpor-
soil in suitable mechanical
condition and good drainage. In some
respects the mechanical condition of the
soil is of greater Importance than its
richness and therefore if heavy and COM
pact should be thoroughly and deeply
broken up-no one need be afraid of
breaking it up too deeply; if clayey. loan
and sand should be mixed with it, Leaf
mold is an excellent material to mix with
soil: 1t adds humus, which bulbs like,
and it also opens up the soil and thus
facilitates drainage; on light and sandy