Planting Time

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31499, 13 October 1967, Page 6

Planting Time

Judging from comments made to me recently there still seems to be a widespread misconception that ornamental trees and shrubs can only be planted in winter. This is not at all so.

Modern trends in plant sales enable an almost year round possibility of planting, although early autumn and early spring usually afford the best conditions for quick establishment, and result in less check. Plants are sold in various ways.

Deciduous subjects are generally lifted from the nursery rows and sold bare-rooted, that is without any soil on the roots.

Evergreens are offered balled, with scrim wrapped around the roots to keep the soil on. Larger trees and shrubs may be sold in biscuit tins, four gallon cans, or even drums. Their removal usually necessitates cutting the container.

An increasing proportion of nursery stock is today offered in one gallon cans or liver pails as they are often called. It is by this means that sales are largely being broadened to afford year round planting opportunities. Such plants usually carry a surcharge which is refundable if the container is brought back.