SCILLA

The Blue Squill may be grown in exactly the same manner as the Roman

Hyacinth for indoor decoration, and it makes a charming companion to

that flower. It is perfectly hardy, and for its deep, lovely blue should

be largely grown in the open border, where it appears to especial

advantage in conjunction with Snowdrops. It is also valuable for filling

small beds, and for making marginal lines in the geometric garden.



The Scilla praecox, or sibirica, thrives on the mountains of North

Italy, where masses of it may be seen growing close to the snow, and in

this country it withstands wind and rain which would be the ruin of many

another flower. Still we like to see it in a sheltered border, where it

has a fair chance of displaying its beauty without much risk of injury.

In such a position it will flower in February, and in the bleakest

quarter it will open in March. It is not at all fastidious as to soil,

but when planted will give no further trouble until the foliage withers,

and it is time to lift the bulbs to make way for other occupants. If

convenient, the roots may remain for years in one spot.



The Scilla campanulata deserves more attention than it has hitherto

received. After almost all other spring-flowering bulbs are over, it

makes a beautiful display, which lasts until nearly the end of May. It

somewhat resembles the wild Blue-bell, but is much larger than that

woodland flower.