Freesias

Freesias are among the most delightful of bulbs on account of their delicious fragrance, and because they open their pretty flowers in winter; they have been dealt with pretty fully already.

Montbretias

Montbretias are not true bulbs, but are often included in catalogues, and may be procured and planted in October. They have graceful leaves, and produce loose spikes of flowers ranging in colour from yellow to orange and scarlet. Growing in almost any soil, brilliant in colour, and lasting long in bloom, they are among the most valuable of hardy plants.

Bulbs For Window Boxes

The window boxes, like the flower beds, need a change in autumn, the summer and autumn-flowering plants being removed, and fresh ones substituted for spring flowering. The opportunity should be taken of overhauling the boxes thoroughly. They should be emptied, repainted if necessary, supplied with new drainage material, and fresh loam and leaf-mould added to a portion of the old soil before refilling. Bulbs are beautiful spring plants, but as the boxes are bare most of the winter if nothing else is employed, a few Wallflowers and coloured Primroses and Polyanthuses can be put in also, the last two near the front. Guard against overcrowding by calculating the space which the bulbs will require ultimately when putting in the growing plants.

A CLUMP OF WHITE TULIPS.

A CLUMP OF WHITE TULIPS.

Sweet Peas

The plan of sowing Sweet Peas in autumn, out of doors, is an old one; and it has the recommendation that, if the plants come safely through the winter, they bloom earlier than spring-sown plants - that is, unless the latter are pushed on under glass. It is not wise to risk seed of expensive varieties in the ground in October; and if such sorts are wanted to flower early they had better be sown under glass; but cheaper sorts and mixtures may be tried if desired. The soil should be made quite friable, and the seed covered three inches deep.