Evening star., 1938-03-19


work is carefully done. In some cases
1t is advisable to spread the work of
moving over two seasons. During
the first season (spring) the roots are
pruned by digging trench around
the tree or shrub. This root pruning
forces shrub to develop smaller
but more compact root system. After
the roots are cut the trench is filled
and nothing further is done until the
following fall or spring when the
actual transfer is made.
For large trees or shrubs it is ad-
visable to call in an experienced
nurseryman or landscape gardener,
who has the necessary equipment to
handle heavy tress and shrubs.
Dig the shrub so as to save most
of the roots. The bush growing in
your garden has a straggly root sys-
tenn and it is essential to preserve
most of it. That means that you
must dig a much larger hole in lift
ing it than the nurseryman does
when he digs shrubs from the nursery
row. Nurserymen transplant their
shrubs often enough to develop a
compact root system.
It is not necessary to keep the soil
on the roots of deciduous shrubs, but
do not let the roots dry out by eX-
posure to sun and wind. After the
move has been made take the pruning
shears and cut out all dead and broken
branches.
Then remove sufficient branches to
compensate for the loss of roots, for
no matter how carefully the trans
planting operation may be performed
a considerable portion of the feeding
roots will be lost The removal of
small weak growth is preferable to
shortening all of the branches.
Care after planting is fully as neces-
sary as proper digging and planting.
The function of plant roots is to gather
the food from the soil, and this they
cannot do unless the soil contains
plant food, and unless water is present
to dissolve it. Consequently. the new
ly-set shrub, because of its reduced
root system, needs an ample available
food supply. with enough water in the
soil at all times to take up the food in
solution. Later, the plant will send
out its little feeding roots after food
and water, but at first it may not
have the strength to do this. Hence,
fertilizers and watering are necessary.
X X X X
MANY Of our native shrubs and
flowers are worthwhile additions
to any garden because of their attrac-
tive foliage, flowers and berries.
Adapted to our soils and climate they
should thrive with a minimum of
care. a desirable quality for most home
gardeners.
Growing in the woods, wildings have
a very straggly root system and are
difficult to move, whereas those grown
in the nursery row have a compact
root system and transplant with appar-
ent ease.
In planting the native shrubs learn
all you can of their habitat. Many
of them grow in shade, although the
dogwood and holly may, with care, be
grown in the sun. A liberal supply
of leaf-mold in the soil and ample
moisture are their fixed requirements.
AS group they prefer generous mulch
ing to cultivation. In face. many Of
them, such as the dogwood, azaleas,
laurel and rhododendrons are so shall
low-rooted that cultivation is injuri-
GUS.
1t is not an uncommon sight at this
season of the year to see Washington
gardeners carrying home shrubbery
and roses. Whether they buy at local
stores, nurseries, or at more distant
points, care must be exercised If the
bushes or shrubs are to live and
bloom. Exposure to warm dry air in