DUNEDIN GARDENING CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 19318, 3 August 1926, Page 4

DUNEDIN GARDENING CLUB

PRUNING OF TREES The Gardening Club met on Saturday afternoon at Miss Anderson’s garden, Oban street, Roslyn, when a pruning demonstration was given by Mr W. K, Dallas, Government orchard instructor. Ho pointed out that pruning required more knowledge and experience than any other branch of orchard work. The objects of pruning were to increase the production of fruit, to improve the shape of trees, and to renovate old trees. In pruning young trees for shape it was necessary, he said, for the pruner to have a clear mental picture of what the mature tree would lie. In orchards the vase shape was the most generally adopted. This left the centre open, no leader shoot being allowed. It gave more light, a better development of buds, a better colored fruit, and it also kept the trees broad and spreading, rendering attention to them easier. For the first four years the purpose of pruning was chiefly to form the framework of the future tree, but after that tho pruning for fruit spurs had to be attended to. It was necessary before one could prune intelligently to be able to distinguish the various kinds of shoots and buds.

Mr Dallas then gave a practical demonstration, and explained tho various kinds of trees, including apple, pear, plum, peach, and the small fruits. He was followed very attentively by those present, and he was asked numerous questions. During an interval in the proceedings Miss Anderson handed round afternoon tea, which was much appreciated by those present. On the motion of Mr F. H. Hollingworth hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Dallas and to Miss Anderson for the use of her garden, and also for her hospitality.