Evening star., 1944-10-15


Lilies vary greatly in their
being one Of the most immune. The
gorgeous gold-band lily IL. au-
ratum) is highly susceptible to dis
ease and seldom lasts more than
year or two in local gardens. In
between these extremes are many
kinds and the gardener should
choose with care. The problem of
the lily growers is to buy disease
free bulbs and to keep them free.
A few plantsmen maintain stocks
Of blubs that are relatively free of
disease. There are not many such
and the cost Of their bulbs is, of
course, considerably above the usual
offerings. But, If lilies are to be
grown the advantage lies with the
disease-free bulbs.
Some gardeners maintain that in
view Of the small stocks Of disease
free bulbs available it is better to
purchase seed and to grow their own
bulbs. This is practicable method
and while 1t takes several years to
produce blooming bulbs from
seed for some kinds, it is relatively
inexpensive. The new hybrid lilies
cannot be propagated by seed.
The above refers especially to
those who wish to grow number
of kinds of. lilies. There are some
kinds, notably the Regal, the new
Easter, the Tiger and a few others,
that are relatively immune to most
Of the common diseases and will
grow In almost any garden without
too much difficulty II given rea-
sonably good culture. The Tiger
lily usually Is infected with q
disease that 1t may transmit (by
insects) to other kinds and which
is injurious to them. Since few
Tiger stocks are free Of this ailment
it is considered good practice to
keep them at some distance from
other lilies. The new hybrid Easter
lilies seem to be resistant to the
common diseases and, no doubt,
will be added to the list of worth
while garden varieties when avail
able.
The dainty little Coral lily q.
tenuifolium), while of compare
lively short life, seems to do well
in local gardens. especially when
used as a rock-garden plant. This
adaptability Of the Coral lily to
the rock garden may be due to its
need for excellent drainage. Most
lilies require protection from stand
ing water. Many gardeners when
planting place sand below the bulb
and in some cases turn the bulb
on its side to prevent moisture from
standing between the scales. How
ever, the sand cannot be effective
unless the excess moisture quickly
drains away into the subsoil. Sew
eral Of the soil areas In this section
are deficient in subsurface drainage
and this should be ascertained be-
fore preparing q bed for lilies. If
lacking, it Is desirable to provide
tile drainage.
Lilies cannot successfully with
stand strong winds, and so most
gardeners try 10 plant them in
sheltered situation. However, If the
protection is such that 1t reduces
the air circulation too much, diseases
may be fostered.
Lily bulbs are normally planted
rather deeply, the common excep-
tions being the Madonna, Coral
and -basal-rooters. Deep
planting OF the others is not an
arbitrary rule-they develop feed
ing roots above as well as below
the bulb. Thus a lily bed should
be deeply dug and sunicient humus
mixed into the soil to make 1t both
light and cool. Bone meal, when
available, is an excellent fertilizer
to add to the lily bed.
Lily bulbs should not remain out
of the soil longer than necessary.
They contain much moisture and If
allowed to dry out lose their vitality.
Beds for the lilies should be pre-
pared well in advance Of their ar
rival SO that they may be planted
as soon as received. Dust the
newly received bulbs with sulphur
or bordeaux before planting.
Fall garden work has narrowed
down to the removing Of weeds and
dead ANIMALS. the cleaning up Of the
borders, tying up climbing roses
and making mental plans for next
years garden. Yes, there Is plenty
of work to do, but the pressure is
beginning to drop. We can begin
moving shrubs and plants If the
roots are not disturbed. Plant sup
ports no longer needed may be
stored away for another season.
Winter cover crops should be sown
as the land is ready (rye and yetch).
It is probably safe to drain and
store the garden hose. The compost
pile should be made ready for the
leaves that soon viii begin to fall.
Bulbs may still be planted.
%*A
Early preparation Of the beds for
the newly ordered roses, shrubs and
trees Il recommended. Dig the soil
deeply and incorporate generous
quantities Of well-rCtted manure or
hunnus to tncrease The water -hold-