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For Spring-Blooming Bulbs

Crocus. The corms of the crocus may be planted 3 or 4 inches deep, and for mass effect a spacing of [149] 2 or 3 inches between corms is sufficient room to give them.

They do not like heavy soils, and bone meal incorporated into the beds is better than manure or leaf mold as the corms are subject to fungus attacks. For this reason any corms showing imperfections or bruises should be discarded, if any diseased ones are put into the ground the trouble will spread.

They can be left undisturbed for two or three years, or until they begin to deteriorate and show signs of requiring renovation, at which time they should be lifted and divided; the work is best done after the foliage ripens. Besides being of use for naturalization purposes on lawns, the crocus may be interspersed in the shrubbery, perennial border, rockery, and is also useful for edging purposes. For the best effect plant in masses, this being especiallly necessary in lawn plantings.

Varieties. Kathleen Parlow, white. Raphael, lilac.

Beauty, lilac, Cloth of Gold, yellow, Purpurea Grandiflora, purple, Harbinger of Spring, purple, very early. Mammoth, yellow.

Colchicum, also known as the autumn crocus, is not very satisfactory for garden use. The flowers are easily injured and the foliage must be protected from the hot sun, by the foliage of surrounding plants. [150]