STANDARD ROSES 59 



when the tree is in full leaf and bloom, and, after a 

 .season, not at all. 



Wire trainers are often used for the support and 

 proper direction of weeping standards ; they certainly 

 help to form a symmetrical plant, but I doubt if they are 

 really necessary. Most of the shoots fall naturally into 

 graceful lines, and if, here and there, an erring one 

 persists in keeping too close company with its neigh- 

 bours, instead of filling a blank, it is an easy matter, 

 with the aid of a piece of string and timely attention, 

 =properly to direct its going. After a while the string 

 may be removed altogether, but the coaxing should be 

 begun in good time. 



The pruning of a weeping standard is similar to that 

 needed by the same variety when grown as an ordinary 

 climber. It takes the form of cutting out, in late summer, 

 a few of the old and worn-out shoots to make room for 

 the fresh ones, and, in spring, cutting back to within 

 two or three buds of the base the side shoots that have 

 formed on stems more than one year old. It is important 

 to see that weeping standards are supported properly, 

 either by strong stakes or special trainers, for, owing to 

 the large " heads " that form, they sway violently in 

 rough winds, and become loose in the soil — a condition 

 of things that is detrimental to their well-being. It is 

 necessary also to ensure that the long growths do not 

 become entangled with each other, or many buds may 

 be broken off. The wire trainers to which the shoots 

 can be attached, are certainly useful in keeping the 

 trees orderly, though the same end may be achieved 



