Advance order for tree and shrubs

Press, 4 July 1978, Page 19

Advance order for tree and shrubs

Not so long ago almost all trees and shrubs sold in the nurseries were grown in the open ground. In March or April they were wrenched either by hand or mechanically, the purpose of which was to sever the roots to minimise shock to the plants when they were lifted to prepare them for sale. Lifting was carried out towards the end of May and throughout the winter months, although the bulk were removed by July. Evergreen plants such as rhododendrons and conifers were balled up — that is the roots, encompassed by a proportionate amount of soil, were wrapped in scrim which was secured by string at the base of the stem. Deciduous material wa? lifted, the roots generally freed of soil and then bundled, although some were individually handled and wrapped as bare root specimens. This system created a main season, winter, when trees and shrubs were in plentiful supply at all retail outlets. This probably helped to create the muth that only winter was the planting time — a defnite fallacy. Modem techniques have altered all this. Gone are

the days when the majority of stock is grown in the open ground, although it sill fully applies to certain lines such as hedging, roses and fruit trees.

Today, the trend is towards growing things in polythene bags, a system which enables quicker handling, less shock to the plant and above all the possibility of planting throughout the year. Admittedly, much of the stock, particularly of some trees and shrubs, arrives throughout the winter period but further plants are available at almost any time of the year. A few lines tend to be in short supply and when they are sold out it often means a further wait of perhaps another year before fresh stocks again become available. Where there is a desire to obtain a particular species of plant or perhaps a cultivar which is in keen demand it pays now, as always, to place an advance order to be sure of getting what is wanted.

In this way, disappointment is avoided and at the same time it is of benefit to the nurseryman as he can be of service and also gets an indication of requirements.