LILY OF THE VALLEY.

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3468, 19 May 1934, Page 3

LILY OF THE VALLEY.

HAVE YOU NEGLECTED IT? In some gardens the Lily of the Valley bed is often sadly neglected. It is .quite usual to find these lovely flowers planted in some out-of-the-

Avay corner of the garden Avhere they have been left to take care of themselves for years. Consequently, the

deliciously scented flower spikes become fewer and fewer owing to the roots becoming overcrowded and matted together.

The bed should be re-made every few years and the best time to do this is autumn, when the old crowns may be lifted and divided, or fresh ones planted. The site chosen should be in semi-shade. The plants will do quite well in ordinary garden soil, but to get best results, make up a bed in sandy loam incorporating plenty of leaf-mould and some rotted manure.

Plant the crowns in little groups about 12 inches apart, just covering them with soil. Complete the operation by giving the bed a covering of leaf-mould about two inches deep; this should be removed in spring and the soil pushed ever lightly with a hand fork.

Lilies of the Valley are gross feeders and to obtain good blooms they can hardly be treated tco liberally. During summer an established bed greatly appreciates occasional application of weak liquid manure.