Colorful Chrysanthemums And Roses

By Kent Higgins

In much of the West November, with the last of the colorful chrysanthemums and roses, can be quite pleasant. In the Inter-mountain areas and the colder parts of the Northwest, temperatures have dropped steadily and it's time to switch to winter gardening.

Bulbs and perennials are the chief items to be planted in quantity. It's still too early for fruit trees and other deciduous shrubs and trees, but it is possible to put in some of the evergreens, particularly azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and others of this class.

Of course you'll be spending at least several hours a week cleaning up some of the leaves and other debris that has accumulated. And, as always, think twice before you burn those leaves and other organic materials. You'll have a better garden if you add them to the compost pile or bin, so that it can be "returned" back to the good earth.

Planting bulbs - The list of bulbs to plant is a long one. It is only natural that most people concentrate on tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. However, there are scores of other lesser-known bulbs that are worth investigating.

If you are a newcomer to the Pacific Coast you'll be amazed that many bulbs considered tender in the East will thrive outdoors here with no trouble. These include such wonderful things as freesias, scillas, hybrid amaryllis, watsonias, tritonias, anemones and ranunculus.

Northwest bulb growers, stoutly maintains that improved hybrid lilies or lily of the valley flowers are the answer to a gardener's prayer. A beautiful range of colors and exceedingly vigorous varieties are available now; they make it possible for you to enjoy a display of lilies for many years to come.

Though some people may fuss at the initial cost of some of the newer hybrid lilies, they should keep in mind that lilies stay with you for years and actually improve in size and appearance. Other types of bulbs, for example, may cost only a few cents apiece but supply color for just the one season. - 33393

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