84 How to Lay Out 



rush. About OctolxT loth is the tune to begin planting, vary- 

 ing with the season in different localities. 



The time to plant evergi-eens is in April and May before the 

 new growth begins or in August and early September after 

 the gTowth has ceased. 



Evergi-eens as a rule should be planted in good soil well 

 drained. On no account should the roots be allowed to dry 

 out at the time of planting or later the plant will gi-adually 

 gi'ow brown or die. 



^Yhen the ground is ready unwrap the plant and set into the 

 ground immediately, press the soil about the roots, and water 

 thoroughly. Be sure the roots are covered after watering. 

 Do not let manure come in contact with the roots, and cut off 

 any marred or broken roots. After planting, a heavy mulching 

 of straw, hay, or leaves will prevent drying out and be an aid 

 to success. Hedges whether of evergreens or deciduous plants 

 are often better than a fence for marking the boundary of the 

 property or along the street front. They are also useful to 

 inclose a laundry yard, flower or vegetable garden. 



In planting a hedge be sure of good soil, then dig a trench 

 about 2 feet wide and IS inches to 2 feet in depth. At the 

 bottom of the trench spread a layer of well rotted manure and 

 mix well with tlie soil. Then set the plants in a straight line 

 at the distance decided upon, 12 inches or IS inches ai)art. 



To double the number of plants in the hedge in setting them 

 out greatly helps the effect. Alternate the plants and space 

 about IS inches apart in the rows. It is a good })lan to settle 

 the earth about the roots of the plant by giving thc^n a good 

 watering and then fill in the hollows with additional soil and 

 water thoroughly. It is a good mle to nuilcli. Set the plants 

 a little lower than in the nursery to avoid gaps appearing at 

 the base. Prune the plants in and endeavor to get a good 

 bushy growth near the ground. 



In pruning the hedge, the shape adopted should ])e one that 

 will not shade the lower portion of the plants. A rectangular 



