68 ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING SHRUBS. [March 



CLIMBING ROSES. 



This is the best time to prune ever-blooming climbing 

 roses, such as Champney t Noisette., &c. Many of these, 

 when allowed to grow year after year without pruning, be- 

 come unsightly; they never bear flowers on the old wood, 

 that is, wood of three or four years. Having a tendency to 

 throw out young shoots from the bottom of the stem, the old 

 wood should be cut out, thus encouraging the young wood, 

 which the second year bears the most and finest flowers 

 In severe winters, the extremities of the shoots are frequent- 

 ly killed, and we have often seen all the wood black or brown, 

 and apparently dead. When that is the case, it is best to 

 leave it until they begin to grow, which will show what is 

 dead or alive, when they can be pruned to better advantage. 



DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING SHRUBS. 



The earlier the planting of these shrubs is attended to in 

 this month, the more will their growth and flowering be pro- 

 moted, having all finished before the buds begin to expand. 

 (For kinds recommended, see list, end of the volume.) They 

 should never be planted too thick ; but leave space for them 

 to grow as they respectively require, and according as they 

 are designed for open or close shrubberies, clumps, or thick- 

 ets. Have all in readiness, that it may be done with as 

 much expedition as possible, to prevent their roots from 

 being dried by the sun and wind in time of planting. 

 Make the holes intended for their reception round, capacious, 

 and deep enough to hold their roots, without confining them 

 in the least, and loosen well the bottom, putting new and 

 fresh soil under their roots, breaking and pulverizing it dur- 

 ing the operation, and frequently shaking the plant as you 

 progress in filling up. When done, make all firm with the 

 foot, leaving a circular cavity to hold the water they will 

 require during dry weather. Give rods, and tie with bands 

 all that need that support, before they are left, lest they 

 should be neglected. Cut off any of the bruised roots 01 

 irregular growths of the branches. 



