APRIL 



Making Ready for Summer 



DURING the autumn and early winter months there 

 often comes the temptation to defer gardening 

 work, especially that of planting, until spring. It 

 may be carried out far more pleasantly under present 

 conditions, but what of the result? Gardening is 110 

 doubt, to some considerable extent, an inexact science, 

 for different methods, varying according to local cir- 

 cumstances and conditions, produce equally good 

 results. Moreover, plants are always ready to make 

 a good fight for life, and if matters are not altogether 

 against them they generally succeed. With the advent 

 of April comes the parting of the ways ; either one 

 must complete the planting of hardy border plants at 

 once or for a whole summer be faced with the dire 

 effects of procrastination. If April prove a dry month, 

 plants put in late have little chance, for they are 

 forced to produce puny leaves and stunted stems 

 before the roots have established themselves. Let 

 planting, then, be completed. It is more essential than 

 ever at this season to disturb a considerable area of 

 ground before putting in a plant, so that its roots may 

 be able to spread in search of food supplies as quickly 

 as possible. To dig a small hole and to cramp the roots 

 in this is certain to be followed by disappointing 

 results. Plants that may legitimately be put out in 

 April are Michaelmas Daisies and other autumn kinds 

 Chrysanthemums, Pentstemons, Lily bulbs, Evergreens 

 of all sorts, and Roses from pots ; only a qualified 

 success can be expected from early summer kinds that 



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