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Wintering
Delphiniums
TTkELPHINIUMS must be regarded as
?'^ the finest of our blue flowers, and
the possessor of a fine collection
should take some care of the plants
alter tney nave ceasea nuwning.
Often it is found that many of the
plants die during the resting period.
Excess of moisture, deficient drain
age, and attacks by slugs are often
the cause.
To guard against this, it is a good
plan to take the plants from the
flower borders at this time of the year
and winter them in boxes or beds of
sandy soil, where they can be pro
tected from cold winds and frosts.
Both the boxes and beds must be well
drained.
At the approach of congenial spring
weather, when the roots show signs
of activity, they may be taken from
their winter quarters, divided, if nec
esssary, and replanted into the flower
beds.
COVER WITH LEAVES
Where it is inconvenient to take up
resting delphinium crowns from the
garden for wintering in special beds
or boxes, it will be found a good plan
to cover them with leaves, as these
will protect from frosts. A spread
of ashes or cinders round the clumps
will also serve as a protection.
Whatever means are taken to pro
tect the crowns, the greatest care
must be taken to see that slugs and
snails do not attack the plants, as they
begin to shoot again. These pests
have a great fondness for delphiniums.
Use freshly slacked lime freely, and
trap the culprits with one of the ad
vertised slug and snail poisons, or
use Paris green mixed with bran or
pollard (one teaspoonful to a dip
perful of bran).
YOPNG PLANTS
The delphinium grower should also
have some young plants coming on.
Seed sowing is the best proposition,
and autumn or spring is the best time
for this.
Second year seedlings make the
best plants and give best results.
When one is able to keep up the
supply with fresh plants raised in this
way, the retention of old clumps is
not necessary, but if such as not the
case, it will be found worth while to
take some care of these delightful
perennial plants by giving them the
attention suggested.
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