MAINTENANCE 83 



not endure any considerable dry period or any cultivation of the sur- 

 face of the ground, in the same manner as that adopted in caring for 

 deciduous shrubs and the deeper-rooted evergreens. 



Rhododendrons, Fertilizer For. Rhododendrons and other 

 ericaceous plants should not be fertilized with manure until well 

 established. In the late fall after the rhododendrons have been 

 established one year they may be fertilized by the application of a two- 

 inch layer of well-rotted stable manure over the top of the mulch. 

 This should be repeated each year. Chemical fertilizers are seldom 

 or never used on ericaceous plants. Bone meal should never be 

 used as its bone phosphate of lime is sure to react upon the soil acidity 

 so essential to the successful culture of rhododendrons and allied plants. 

 The use of bone meal has been known to be fatal to these plants. 

 Epsom salt has been recommended as a fertilizer for rhododendrons, 

 but this is probably a mistake and in any event a doubtful procedure 

 because of the chemical nature of this material. As epsom salt is 

 magnesium sulphate and has been used in England to top-dress clover 

 as a substitute for lime, it probably would react in the soil similar to 

 lime and would be injurious to all ericaceous plants. 



Evergreens. The greatest problem in the maintenance of ever- 

 greens is that of keeping them in a healthy and vigorous condition of 

 growth. There are certain locations where it is essential to use ever- 

 greens in order to produce a desired effect. Oftentimes these locations 

 are surrounded by a city environment with a dust-laden and smoky 

 atmosphere which is one of the more injurious factors in the growing of 

 evergreens. If such plants are to be maintained in a healthy con- 

 dition they should never be watered on the leaves during the heat 

 of the day when the sun is shining. They should, however, be 

 sprayed with a strong force of water at intervals not less often than 

 once each w T eek in order to wash from the surface of the leaves the 

 accumulated dust which if left causes a devitalized condition of the 

 entire plant. 



Vines. Vines require but little attention. Wood should be 

 cut back severely in the spring on vines with ornamental fruit. Re- 

 move old canes and check any growth that becomes too rank. Shoots 

 that are too long or spoil the general effect should be cut. All climbers 



