Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1931-08-30
Repetition Important.

ton to the extent that the scene Is
monotonous, but just enough to pro-
duce interest. The best illustration
is induced by the fact that a greatly
varied landscape is interesting by
being p-edominantly green.
1t Is best to arrange plants in
groups, using a few kinds and many
OF each rather than individual plants
Of many varieties.
Paintings should be massed about
the bases OF buildings, about the
functions Of curves IN walks and
walks and drives, and about the
corners and boundaries Of the areas
10 be developed.
Straight lines should be avoided
10 secure graceful, natural and
artistic effects.
Thorough preparation Of the soil
is highly desirable for most plants.
This IS especially true OF some Of
the heavier soils in which ii Is best
10 dig a hole considerably larger
than the plant will occupy because
this stirred soil will aid in the es-
adjustment OF the new plant. Ere
quently. nothing IS TO be gained by
a larger hole IN lighter soils. The
heavier type Of soil is a decided
advantage after the plant is estab-
lished because II will retain moisture
longer and contains more plant food.
Rotted manure or numus can be
worked into the heavier types 10
assist the plants in starting off and
making a quick growth.
Even in our exceptionally fertile
soils. most plants are benefited BY
liberal use Of manure or other forms
Of organic fertilizers. such as cot
ton seed meal. tankage. dried blood,
etc. and on some types commercial
fertilizers. preferably complete ones
F. containing all necessary elements al
plant food may be used beneficially.
Such complete fertilizers may Ue
purchased from any seed store. Sew
eral light rather than n heavy
application OF fertilizer is preferred.
Pruning Important.
No single practice connected with
the handling Of plants IN the VAL
lev Is 50 necessary as pruning ana
at the same time none is 50 poorly
understood. 50 badly executed or so
entirely neglected. Pruning should
be timely: it should be a regular
part Of garden maintenance, not
done as a last resort or put oil rom
month to month or year TO year.
Usually il is best TO avoid that
time in the spring when growth pc
comes active after the winter DORM
ant season. II is then that sap flows
most freely and IL is difficult TO give
wounds Of size the proper protective
| covering. II severe pruning OF large
vines Il contemplated, ID should be
done in the autumn Or early winter.
Again. II dead branches are 70 De
removed from deciduous trees or
shrubs. IL is much easier to find
them IN summer when trees are IN
full leaf. /.
II trees and shrubs are pruned ~
the wrong time there may be no
| flowers that season. Some form their
flower buds in summer and autumn
and the next years flowers come
directly from these. Plants belong
ing to this group should be pruned
If the interval between Towering
and formation Of flower buds Tor
next season. II is a safe rule 70
begin pruning as soon as they have
finished Towering. Every gardner
should study the Towering habit ci
the plaAt in his garden and deter
mine the best time 10 prune. based
on time OF blooming and whether
/ blossoms are produced on new o. old
wood.
shrubs Need Shearing.
Evergreen shrubs that are TO be
kept shaped need shearing from time
To time during the growing season
but not so late as to leave bare
leafless ends through dormancy. The
last shearing should be at such a
time as TO allow short shoots ana
leaves 10 form before growth ceases
for the season.
Every nable precautiol
should be taken 10 prevent unncces-
sary injury 10 a tree or shrub when
a branch must be removed. Stubs
should not be left because they inter-
fe-e with proper healing or the
wound.
To insure close cutting with prun-
ing shears. they should be held with
the cutting blades close against the
main trunk or branch. The saw must
cut through the base Of the main
branch. so that no part remains.
To prevent limbs from breaking of
and tearing off a strip OF wood and
bark. cut upwards until the saw be-
4 gins 10 cramp and then cut down.
Wren small branches are prune1,
il is best To cut with a sloping cut
Just above the bud. The slope should
not be too great or short. Direction
OF the new shoot al the tip Of the
remaining portion OF the branch can
be influenced and directed by cutting
above a bud pointing in the desired
direction. III the growth OF the new
branch is desired outward and away
from the center Of the shrub. one
should cut TO a bud which points
outward.
Moisture Important.
Lack OF sufficient water during
the time a Giant is trying to estab-
liSh itself after being transplanted
is the cause Of many losses. Many
people are deceived in thinking thar
a light surface watering will furnish
enough moisture when as a matter
OF fact they usually effect only the
surface. II is especially important
that enough be supplied TO reach
the roots Of plants which have only
recently been planted.
A good method to follow in caring
for newly planted trees, shrubs and
roses is to hollow out a basin a few
inches from the base OF the plant
which should be filled two or three
times. according to condition OF the
soil. After the soil is sufficiently dry.
cultivate 10 avoid baking. A good
soaking three or four times eaca
week usually will be sufficient.
If spraying with water becomes
NNnanruA. - - A. $500