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The Shady Garden (Cover with about inch of soil)

cover with about 1/2 inch of soil. A temperature of 55°F. or 60° F. will be a suitable one for them. Keep the soil moist but not wet enough to cause the tubers to rot before they root; increase the water supply as the growth progresses, and when they become crowded in the flat they may be potted in 5-inch pots. Gradually accustom the tender growth to lower temperatures, and increase the amount of fresh air given, preparatory to planting in the garden by May 20th for bloom in July. Beforehand, however, it will be necessary to prepare the soil outdoors to meet their requirements. Thorough drainage and a rich soil containing plenty of leaf mold suits them best; if not sufficiently light in character a little sand incorporated into the bed will overcome this difficulty. Tuberous Begonias are not difficult to grow, but they are exacting and their blooming season can be greatly prolonged by careful attention to their desires as to soil, moisture and location. The proper moisture condition must be maintained throughout the season. They must never be allowed to dry out, but excessive moisture is equally detrimental to their welfare. During the hot weather a mulch of lawn clippings or sphagnum moss will help keep the roots cool, and make the soil more retentive of moisture. They will greatly appreciate feedings, every week or two, of weak liquid cow manure, which [87] is really necessary in order to procure the finest blooms. Stake early, before the plants have a chance to become bent and crooked. This should be done as inconspicuously as possible; twigs used for this purpose are the most satisfactory means of giving support. Before frost lift the tubers and place them in a shed until they are thoroughly dry, when the foliage and the dry earth may be removed and the tubers placed in a box and covered with sand or sawdust and wintered in a frost-proof place. The tubers may be used for several years, but after the second year they will gradually deteriorate.

The bedding or fibrous rooted varieties of begonias are also very useful for shady situations, forming compact bushy plants that are covered with flowers in shades of pink from June until frost. They may be planted outdoors after May 15th and can be purchased from a florist, or if facilities such as a greenhouse are available for use the seed may be started indoors by January 1st. The seed of begonias is very fine and requires several weeks before it germinates. Sow it in bulb pans half filled with broken pots for drainage over which place finely pulverized soil and sand mixed in equal parts. Sprinkle a thin layer of sand over the surface, then sow the seed on top. The seed is so fine that it slips between the sand particles and requires [88] no further covering; it is necessary, however, to place a piece of glass over it, allowing a crack to remain uncovered to supply ventilation. The glass maintains an even temperature and prevents drying out. Shading can be accomplished by placing a piece of paper on top of the glass. It must be turned to the dry side each morning and all necessary watering is done by submerging the bulb pan in a pail of water to within an inch of its rim, where it must remain until the soil appears dark and wet. This will prevent the seed from becoming dislodged and washing away. As soon as the seedlings are up far enough to handle it is necessary to transplant them into flats or bulb pans, ample drainage being necessary at all times. It is important to do this work as soon after germination as possible because the little seedlings are likely to die from the "damping off" fungus which attacks them in overcrowded seed beds. As growth progresses pot the little plants and encourage growth in every way so that sturdy bushy plants may be obtained for bloom the following June.

Varieties. Erfordia, Vernon, Semperflorens, Gloire de Chatelaine.

Caladium. Caladiums are large leaved foliage plants excellent for the purpose of adding a touch of color in shady gardens and when planted in combina- [89] tion with ferns or against a background of green where the variegated colors of the leaves will show off to advantage. They are natives of the tropics and therefore luxuriate in warm temperatures, the dormant tubers must not be planted out until after May 15th or when the weather becomes settled and warm. Ideal soil conditions may be procured by incorporating into the bed well-rotted manure, leaf mold, and a little sand to lighten its texture. Bone meal can be substituted for manure, when desired. If manure is used it is of the utmost importance for it to be well decomposed and while planting allow no pieces of it to touch the tubers. Cover their tops with one inch of soil as new roots are formed both from the top and the base of the tuber. Growth will soon begin, the larger tubers starting sooner than the small ones. For early results the tubers may be started indoors about March 15th in a temperature of from 70°F. to 80°F. Either set them close together in a flat and cover with chopped sphagnum moss, or pot up singly, the size of the pot used depending upon the size of the tuber purchased. If started in flats the tubers must be transferred to pots as soon as the root growth is sufficiently advanced. In either case, repotting will be necessary if the growth is so vigorous that the roots strike through the soil in the pot as the plants must [90] Courtesy of J. Horace McFarland Company