THE GARDEN AT HOME 



pruning that would suit one variety of Apple would not 

 necessarily suit another. 



Pruning shrubs is less understood even than the 

 pruning of fruit trees, and, perhaps, for this reason 

 the shrubs in numberless gardens are never pruned at 

 all. Yet the way in which shrubs produce their leaves 

 or flowers or fruits governs the method of pruning to 

 be applied, and, if rightly understood, should simplify 

 the work. If a shrub or tree produces its flowers on last 

 year's growths one-year-old shoots then we may apply 

 the method of pruning practised with climbing roses : 

 that is, when the blooms are over, we cut out the older 

 growths to make room for the younger. If the blossoms 

 or fruit arise from the current year's shoots, then we 

 essay to make them as vigorous as possible by cutting 

 back the older ones. With a right knowledge of these 

 few principles, even the ignorant pruner would do little 

 harm. It is not true to say that all roses, fruits, and 

 shrubs come exactly within the practices outlined, or 

 pruning would not be the great stumbling-block it is. 

 But these are the first things a beginner should learn. 



From what has been said, it will be seen that a close 

 observance of the manner of production of the crop we 

 wish to encourage is first to be considered. The question 

 of the time when pruning is best carried out is also of 

 moment. Fruit trees are pruned chiefly during the 

 winter months : in January and February ; exceptions 

 are found in the Peach, Nectarine, and Black Currant, 



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