HERALDS OF SPRING

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 614, 16 March 1929, Page 28

HERALDS OF SPRING

PLANT BULBS NOW Bulbs contribute some of tlie most beautiful blooms to the great kingdom ol: flowering plants, and are deserving of a great deal more attention than is at present bestoAved upon them. Their beauty is unparalleled, their cultivation simple. Many varieties are admirably suited to outside bedding and border work, while quite a number adapt themselves to indoor cultivation. Others may be planted in lawns, on grassy slopes or banks, beneath the shade of trees, by running streams or in various other cool and inviting parts of the garden, where their colour and beauty may be displayed and appreciated to the best advantage. There are certain bulbs plantable every month in the year, but usually February to April is regarded as the best time for a general planting. Entire shade is to be avoided when

selecting a site for tlieir culture. They succeed best in a sunny or partially sunny, well drained situation. Light soils are always more satisfactory for tlieir successful culture. Should your ground he inclined to be heavy it should be broken down with sand or wood ashes. Stiff, hard ground will never produce good blooms. Good drainage is another important factor. Well-worked and sun-sweet-ened soil will produce the finest flowers. Avoid fresh manure; in fact, many bulbs are better without it at all. However, for general purposes a little wellrotted stable or cow manure Is advisable. Care should be taken that it does not come into direct contact with the bulbs, but dug in well below. The land should, after the application of the manure, be thoroughly worked, well broken up, and the surface made fine and level. Many amateurs make a mistake in regard to the correct depth to plant. A good plan to follow is to insert each bulb twice its own depth below the surface of the soil.