SUMMER FLOWER BEDS 75 



soaked with water. This stimulates the roots, and in addition 

 facilitates their removal from the pots. 



The two illustrations facing Page 72 indicate the method in 

 which this removal may be effected with least injury to the plants. 

 The pot should be taken in the right hand, the plant placed 

 through the fingers of the left hand and turned upside down. 

 Then the rim of the pot should be tapped lightly against the edge 

 of a box or a block of wood. The plant by this means will be 

 released, and will rest firmly on the palm of the left hand. With 

 the fingers of the right hand the crocks, or small pieces of pot 

 which have served as drainage, should be removed carefully and 

 a few of the outside roots loosened. 



The plant is then ready for insertion in the hole prepared for it, 

 which on no account should err on the side of smallness. It should 

 be wide enough and deep enough to hide the whole of the pot soil. 

 Fill in any intervening space that may be left with soil, and press 

 it hard round the plant. Firm planting is essential. It keeps 

 the plant steady in the wind, and gives the roots a chance to start 

 off into new growth without a check. A good watering is as 

 necessary alter planting as it was previous to the operation. 



