School Grounds and School Gardens. 75 



much of the work as possible, drafting their fathers and older brothers 

 when necessary. Making a planting bee at some time in the spring 

 might not be a bad notion. It is best not to wait until Arbor day, 

 especially if wild things are to be dug up and planted, since they are 

 often in full leaf by the last of April. 



If only a part of the grounds is to be planted the first year it 

 might be well to plant nothing but trees, planting the groups of shrubs 

 the next year and the hardy herbaceous perennials the third year. It 

 is usually desirable, however, to have some of the flowering plants 

 started at once. Since the background of larger shrubs and trees shouli 

 be planted first, however, in order to properly locate the flowering 

 plants, it might be well to complete the planting on one side of the 

 school ground the first year and plant another side the second year. At 

 another time the shade trees could be planted about the front of the 

 grounds, and still another season the shrubs could be set in the curves 

 of the walks. The school garden can be started at any time, and should 

 be planted at once. Even here it would be better to begin with a com- 

 paratively small garden rather than attempt too much at first. 



In setting trees, shrubs, and plants, see that the holes are dug 

 large enough for the roots and deep enough so that the trees will stand 

 fully as deep as they stood before being removed. In the drier parts 

 of the state it is well to plant trees and shrubs several inches deeper 

 than they stood before. It is very important to see that the earth is 

 firmed well about the roots. Some of the larger boys should pack the 

 ground by treading it with their feet while the dirt is being thrown into 

 the hole about the tree roots. Have the holes filled with moist soil, and 

 the soil firmed to within about four inches of the surface of the ground. 

 Then fill the remainder of the hole with loose, dry dirt and leave it dry 

 and loose. 



If it is thought necessary to water the trees at the time they are 

 set, a good time to apply the water is just before the loose, dry dirt is 

 added to the surface. It is not always necessary to water trees. If the 

 ground is moist and the weather not too dry and windy, they will 

 usually grow without watering. If they are to be watered, however, 

 water them thoroughly. They had better be left without water than to 

 use a single pail of water for two or three trees. Two or three pails 

 of water are none too many for a good-sized tree. A little water simply 

 moistens and packs the surface of the ground. In a day or so this dries 

 out and "bakes," thus affording the most favorable conditions for rapid 

 loss of water by evaporation from the surface of the ground. Newly 

 planted trees and shrubs should be cultivated. They rarely do well 

 planted in sod unless there is an abundance of moisture. Keep tha 



