CHAPTER XXIII. 



DRAINAGE FOR LARGE PLANTS. 



For large plants of Azaleas and Camellias, and others 

 of the hard wood kind that require large pots or tubs, and 

 are not changed or re-potted every season, drainage is very 

 necessary. Without it the ground would become sour by 

 the outlet clogging up, preventing the water, which the 

 plants do not need, from passing off, and causing the roots 

 of large plants to decay. 



I never use drainage for soft-wooded plants, or for small 

 pots of the hard wood kind, considering it a waste of time. 

 Use drainage for all hard- wooded plants in pots over eight 

 inches. 



Drainage is thought by some a work which can be 

 carelessly done, and have the desired effect. I differ very 

 much in this particular, thinking it a very important matter, 

 and one that should be done with some care, in the follow- 

 ing manner. Use a large piece of broken pot or shell over 

 the hole in the bottom of the pot, with smaller pieces over 

 this, finishing up with still smaller pieces of shells or pots, 

 with a covering of moss to prevent the soil from mixing 

 with the drainage. 



In looking over my stock I find more plants that require 

 fresh drainage than larger pots. 



Imperfect drainage of those plants in large pots or tubs 

 that have been thoroughly saturated with water, will easily 

 be detected by the water remaining on the surface of the 



87 



