188 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



Rhododendrons are broad -leaved evergreen 

 shrubs which require a fibrous or peaty soil and protection 

 from bleak winds and hot suns in winter. It is well to 

 plant them amongst trees for protection. In the North, 

 mulch heavily with leaves in the fall. See that the soil is 

 made fibrous with leaf-mold or other material. Rhododen- 

 drons bloom from winter buds: therefore prune just after 

 flowering, if at all. 



Rhubarb, or PIE PLANT. This is usually propa- 

 gated by division of the fleshy roots, small pieces of which 

 will grow if separated from the old, established roots and 

 planted in rich, mellow soil. Poor soil should be made rich 

 by spading out at least 3 feet of the surface, filling with 

 well rotted manure to within 1 foot of the level, throwing in 

 the top soil and setting the roots with the crowns 4 inches 

 below the surface, firming them with the feet. The stalks 

 should not be cut for use until the second year, but the first, 

 as well as the succeeding falls, some coarse manure should 

 be thrown over the crowns, to be forked or spaded in lightly 

 when spring opens. 



In growing seedling Rhubarb, the seed may be sown in a 

 coldframe in March or April, protected from freezing, and 

 in two months the plants will be ready to set in rows, 12 

 inches apart. Give the plants good cultivation, and the 

 following spring they may be set in a permanent place. At 

 this time the plants should be set in well prepared ground, 

 at a distance each way of from 4 to 5 feet, and treated as 

 those set with pieces of roots. 



If given good care and well manured, the plants will live 

 for years and yield abundantly. Two dozen good roots will 

 supply a large family. 



Ricinus. See Castor Oil Plant. 



Roses. It seems to be the first desire of the home 

 maker, when he considers the planting of his grounds, to 

 set out Roses. As a matter of fact, it should be one of 



