SHRUBS, AND HOW TO PLANT THEM 279 



Perhaps a small tree may be desired. If so, select 

 one of the Japanese Maples with finely-cut foliage, or 

 a cut-leaved Birch. Both are beautiful at all stages 

 of growth. 



Be sure to go over your shrubs each spring, and 

 tliin them out well, if you want them to make strong, 

 vigorous growth. Some shrubs, like the Lilac, form 

 tlieir buds the season previous to blooming. These 

 must not be pruned until after flowering, for this 

 would destroy a large share of this season's crop of 

 flowers. But such shrubs as bear flower^ on growth 

 of the present season can be pruned in spring. Remove 

 all dead or injured branches promptly, and do not 

 hesitate to cut back any branch when you see that it 

 is trying to get the start of others. It is an easy 

 matter to make a shrub assume a good, symmetrical 

 shape if proper care is given when it is needed. This 

 is when it is growing. If neglected then, it will not 

 be so easy a matter to bring it into satisfactory shape. 



Be sure to keep the grass away from the roots 

 of your shrubs if you want them to remain in vigor- 

 ous, healthy condition. If this aggressive little plant 

 is allowed to have free range it will soon choke out 

 delicate shrubs, and even the hardiest, like the Lilac, 

 will suflfer from its encroachments. 



