PRUNING 



sorts, however, take more kindly to the stand- 

 ard or tree form. But not all can be trained 

 in either of these forms, as you may elect, 

 because their natural habits of growth may 

 be contrary to these systems of training. 

 Know your "plant, and train it after the fash- 

 ion to which it seems most adaptable, — the 

 form most in harmony with its general char- 

 acteristics. 



Some plants will require support almost 

 from the start. These are kinds of slender 

 habit, like most varieties of the Fuchsia, the 

 Heliotrope, and others which develop tops 

 too heavy for their stalks to support unaided. 

 Neat, substantial stakes should be provided, 

 and the main stalk should be fastened to 

 them as they reach upward. Do not use 

 ordinary string as a fastening, as it will be 

 likely to cut into the soft, tender wood of the 

 young plant. Strips of cloth are better. Tie 

 firmly, but not tightly. 



Plants of trailing or drooping habit are 

 spoiled when trained in upright form. Never 

 attempt to go contrary to Nature in training 

 any plant. Simply assist it to grow in the 

 form Nature chose for it away back in the 

 early days of her gardening experience. The 



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