In the Garden

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 146, 23 June 1938, Page 25

In the Garden

By "Practical" This column la Intended principally toi gardeners with small plot!, and the aim Is to make It as practical and useful as possible. Inquiries on any makers of Hardening Interest will be welcomed. The rule for correspondence Is that all communications roust be accompanlod tiy the name and address of the writer, not for publication, but as a guarantee of ooed faith. This rule will be strictly adhered to. This Is your column—make use of it FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS

Ornamental trees and shrubs are almost indispensable even for quite small gardens. There is such a wide range of varieties that suitable subjects for all purposes may be had. Before ordering, the gardener should have a clear idea as to the ultimate size of the tree, and the amount of space it will occupy. It is obviously wrong to I plant forest trees which may, in time to come, attain a height of 60 feet or more, in small cottage gardens, and yet we find it done frequently. Where the] space is limited, the choice should be confined to shrubs which do not grow too large or usurp too much of the available space. When planting, allowance for the natural growth must be made. Where shrubberies are being planted it is permissible to plant rather close together with the idea of thinning out when the various shrubs have grown sufficiently. The ground should be well dug, the subsoil being loosened to allow the roots to penetrate, and where necessary the soil should be enriched by the addition of manure, but if animal manures are used the material should be worked into the lower spit well below the roots. When planting, holes should be made sufficiently large to allow of the roots being spread out to their fullest extent. On no account should the roots be

doubled in. If there are any exceptionally long roots they may be shortened back cleanly to allow them to be accommodated in the holes. Always work the soil well in among the roots. For this to be done satisfactorily it is_ necessary that the soil should be fine" and reasonably dry. Place the plant in the prepared hole and throw in a couple of shovelfuls p of fine soil, then work the shrub up and down to shake the soil in among the roots. Add more soil, sufficient to cover the roots, and tramp firmly. This thorough firming of the soil is important. Finally fill in the balance of the soil to ground level, leaving the surface soil free. In exposed positions it is best to stake the young plants, fixing the stakes before [covering the roots, and it is also advisable to supply shelter, so that the plants may have a chance to make a good start without being buffeted about. In all cases any broken or damaged roots should be cut cleanly away beyond the damaged part. Certain plants — mostly evergreens — arrive from the nurseries with their roots balled up in canvas. It will be found in most cases that the roots are a tight ball of fibre. These should be planted without breaking the ball; in fact, it is quite safe to plant with the canvas left on, as it soon rots in the damp soil.