Among the essentials for winter flowers are the bulbs. Of these the
hyacinth takes the lead. They are so easily grown; so lovely and so
fragrant that they are worthy of a place in every collection. They
should be planted so that the upper surface of the bulb is visible.
Water liberally and then put away in a cool dark place for several
weeks, six weeks is none too long, and some I allow to remain a longer
time, bringing them to the light at intervals so as to have a succession
of flowers. They are very effective planted in a group. They are very
pretty in hyacinth glasses, but this method ruins the bulbs for future
use. Planted out they will sometimes flower. The best time to plant them
in the border is in October, but the first of November will do. It is a
good plan to make a little bed of sand for the bulb, and then cover with
light porous soil. Hyacinths are classed as tall and dwarf, single and
double. The Roman Hyacinth is the earliest bloomer, coming into flower
about the holidays if started in season. The spikes are small and
flowers rather scattering. As soon as the blooms fade, the stalk should
be removed, and when the leaves turn yellow, they can be cut off, and
the bulb dried and packed in paper bags and kept till time for autumn
planting.
Hyacinth bulbs come from Holland. About Haarlem the rubbish heaps are
hyacinths, and the air is oppressive with their perfume.
In California there grows what is called the Twining Hyacinth. It grows
in the mountains, and twines about the bushes, sometimes going up eight
and ten feet. After it gets to the top of the bush and rests awhile, it
lets go of the earth and goes on blooming for months, regardless of the
burning sun. The flower stem breaks off near the ground, and the flowers
are kept swinging in the air supported only by the bush about which it
twines. The color is deep rose, and it is said to be very pretty. The
picture of it certainly looks attractive. It is a large cluster composed
of dozens of blossoms.
For flowering in the house the Polyanthus Narcissus are very desirable.
They can be put into glasses as well as the Hyacinth, but the most
natural method is in a pot of earth, and the bulb is in a better
condition for after use. The Jonquils are also pretty. Snowdrops,
Scillas and the Crocus are cheap bulbs, and planted in the autumn will
show their bright, sweet faces soon after the snow is gone. They are
also very fine for house culture. Should be planted in groups.
Tulips ought to have a place in every garden. They make a brilliant show
in the Spring, when the beds are bare of other flowers, and afford bloom
for a long time, if a good assortment is selected. The pretty little
dwarf Duc Van Thols are early bloomers and very gay. They are admirable
also for the house, and by planting in September, will come into flower
in December. There are early single and double Tulips, and also late
bloomers, so that by having a variety, the border may look gay for a
long time. The Parrot Tulips are large and very brilliant in color, and
picturesque in appearance. All of these varieties succeed in ordinary
garden soil. They ought to be planted in October or November, about four
to six inches apart, and about four inches under the surface. Before
severe frost they need to be protected by branches of evergreen, straw
or leaves. After blooming, and the leaves have died down, they can be
taken up, dried and stored till autumn, if the bed is needed for other
flowers.
The Bulb catalogues issued by leading florists in the autumn, and sent
free to all applicants, will enable you to select just what you want.