MARCH] FLOWER GARDEN. 315 



DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING ALL SORTS OF TREES AND SHRUBS. 



All flowering and evergreen shrubs, ornamental trees, &c., designed 

 for the shrubbery and other plantations, should be planted at such 

 distances that they may not crowd each other as they grow up ; for 

 they always, show themselves best when they stand separate at mode- 

 rate distances. Shrubs of all kinds designed for detached clumps 

 particularly, should be planted not less than three to four or five feet 

 asunder, that the different kinds, according to their growths, may 

 generally remain distinct ; but where a thickety growth is required 

 in particular compartments, a closer plantation may be formed of 

 different common shrubs. 



Let all the tree kinds be allowed proper room, proportionate to 

 their respective growths, and according as they are designed for open 

 or close plantations, or clumps, groves, avenues or thickets, &c. 



In planting shrubs and trees of every kind, let all convenient ex- 

 pedition be made in doing it, so that they may be planted as soon as 

 possible after they are taken up, or brought from the nursery or 

 elsewhere ; that their roots may not be dried by the sun and wind ; 

 but when brought from any distance, and they cannot be immedi- 

 ately planted, untie the bundles, lay the roots in a trench, and cover 

 them with earth to lie till the places allotted are ready to receive 

 them. 



In preparing for planting, dig a round aperture for each shrub or 

 tree from half a yard to two or more feet wide, according to the size 

 of the roots, and a spade deep, capacious enough to receive them 

 freely, and loosen the bottom well. Then having the shrubs, &c., 

 ready, prune off broken or bruised roots, and any irregular produc- 

 tions of the heads, and place them in the holes upright, break the 

 earth well, and throw it in equally about the roots, which cover a 

 proper depth, shaking each plant gently as the earth is filled in, to 

 cause it to settle close between all the roots and fibres ; tread it mode- 

 rately to fix the plant firmly in an upright position, making the top 

 of the earth a little hollow round each to hold water when given in 

 dry weather; and if they are watered as soon as planted, it will settle 

 the earth about all the roots more effectually, and promote their fresh 

 rooting; it would be of advantage in general, but more particularly 

 to any of the more tender or curious shrubs, &c., to lay some long 

 litter on the surface to preserve the moisture about the roots in dry 

 weather. 



Immediately after planting, fix stakes to such tall plants as require 

 support, and let them be fastened thereto. 



PLANTING EVERGREENS. 



Evergreen trees and shrubs may be planted with good success any 

 time this month in most of the southern States, but in the middle 

 States that should not be attempted before the last week therein ; 

 nor in the eastern States before the beginning or middle of April; 

 these kinds are always most successfully planted when done imme- 



