Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-04-27
THE HOME GARDENER
PROPER CARE OF
EVERCREENS

Speaking on the regular Thursday
morning garden hour of Station WRC.
=. L. Milford, landscape gardener OF
the Department of Agriculture. on
April II gave q very helpful talk on
evergreens and their care. Pruning, ac-
cording to Mr.. milford is the most ne
elected feature in evergreen care, most
species profiting by an annual pruning
at this season. The scraggly, uneven
appearance so often seen IN these
plants may be prevented by consistent
cutting back of the shoots where
needed. Since many evergreenS 40 not
develop new shoots or foliage from por-
fions OF stem from which all foliage has
heen removed, not more than hall OF
the foliage should be cut from any one
branch. The remaining portion VIII
thicken M, improving the general APP
Y,earance of the plant. Mr.. Mulford
Pointed out that the tree evergreens
which are often planted where really
cr1iv low growing species are needed
may be repfessed by severe pruning,
with the result that they may be kept
useful much longer than II allowed 10
Rrow naturally However, the central
shoot Of formally growing evergreens
sho,ild not be cut until the tree has
reached the desired height because
evernreens are slow to re-establiSh
leader. Among species distinctly oene-
fited by annual pruning is the norway
snr1Ice' Among broadleaf species. the
rhododendron is slow to develop snootS
from old wood. -
Concerning the use of fertilizer, Mr..
Mulford suggests that plants now max,
ing good growth and possessing gooa
color need no additional food except
that Of their own rottlng leaves.
plants not growing vigorously may De
heIned by applications of partially
Yutted manure.
There are two seasons for planting,
enrine. up to May Is, and again in late
August or early September. AS received
from the nursery, the roots OF ever
green's are usually dug with ball OF
soiI which should not be disturbed in
setting the plant. The depth OF plant
inR should be the same as 1t was In the
nursery. The soil about the roots
should be firmly tamped PROVIDED II Is
not soggy and If at all dry should 2e
thoroughly watered after planning. ~
drouRhts occur later in the season.
further watering is necessary.
of eyergreens Mr.. Milford personally
fayors the broad-leaf types such as
holly. box, rhedodendrons, azaleas ana
ianrei. the last three Of which require
A., acid soil, which condition, once at.
tained. may be maintained by continued
Ynulcfes Of leaves of the same species
or Of oak or pine.
Among cone-bearing evergreens ar
borvitaes represent a wide range in size
and shape and are conspicuous because
of their flattened leaves. The hemloek
Is also deemed desirable because OF its
rich. dark green foliage and favorable
response to pruning. The Colorado and
Koster blue spruces are desirable. but
should not be planted singly without
other species Of normal green hue. Mr..
Milford states that no evergreen. noe
even the blue spruce, looks well when
planted In the middle Of the lawn. but
should rather be placed at the corner
of the house, alongside the steps or in
the corners Of the lawn. For screen
Snr the foundation Of the house judi
etous planting which shows the founda-
fi0n here and there Is more to be de-
aired than O solid mass.