SPRING FLOWERS IN WINTER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1419, 20 April 1912, Page 11

SPRING FLOWERS IN WINTER.

In a month or two the desolation of winter will havo set its mark on our gardens, and cut flowers will be added to our ever-growing list of expenditure. But, with a little forethought, says an Australian writer, wo can now arrange to have bowls of flowering bulbs during the months when wo prize flowers most of all. Now is the time to set about the necessary preparation. All that is needed are a few narcissus and daffodil bulbs, a handful or so of charcoal, some jadoo fibre (obtainable at any of the seed-shops), and one or two shallow earthenware -bowls, those of green or brown Langley ware being tho most appropriate. There is no need for tho bowl to have drainage holes, for the charcoal, which is to bo placed at the bottom, answers this purpose. On top of tho charcoal comes a layer of fibre, to the depth of one and o half inches. The bulbs are placed on this, and care must bo taken that they do not touch each other, or the sides of tho bowl. Any number may be planted together under theso conditions. The bulbs must be then entirely covered with the fibre, leaving only the tip exposed. Pack it carefully round them and between, but do not press it down at all tightly. When all aro planted, water well, and set them in a dark corner of a cool room. The bulbs must not be exposed to daylight until they have had time to make some root-growth. Then they require watering occasionally, and the fibro should always bo kept damp, but not wet. When growth is established, thev Should bo gradually brought, into the full light, and when flowering begins they need ns much light and sun as possible, together with plenty of water. Bulbs so grown are no good the following season.