THE JOYOUS ART OF GARDENING 



Different plants require different diet. For roses, put three 

 inches of broken stone in the bottom of the bed and mix in 

 well-rotted manure (in the proportion of one part manure to 

 six parts soil). For other plants the soil need not be so rich 

 — one part manure to ten parts soU is abundance for the aver- 

 age plant. If one can't afford much fertilizer, then especial 

 care must be taken that the ground be deeply dug and thor- 

 oughly cultivated. Deep digging, so that the roots will find it 

 easy to extend far down after food and moisture, is one of the 

 best preventives of suffering from drought and lack of nourish- 

 ment. 



How TO Transplant Shetjbs and Perennials 



Always unpack plants under cover. Never leave them 

 with roots exposed to sun or wind. If the roots seem dry, soak 

 in tepid water. If any are broken, cut just above the break 

 with a sharp knife. In separating clumps of perennials — 

 peonies, larkspurs, hardy phloxes, and the Hke — don't cut the 

 roots if they can be disentangled. In fact, a decent respect for 

 the roots, their preferences, structure, constitution, and habits 

 is the Alpha and Omega of transplanting. 



For the actual setting-out have the hole dug deep enough 

 and wide enough; as we are not planting a post, it is more 

 important to have a hole deep at the sides than in the centre. 

 Spread the roots out carefully — as nearly as possible in their 

 position before being moved. Never let roots come in direct 

 contact with manure. The plant should be no deeper in the 

 ground than it stood before. Two or three inches too deep 

 may cause real injury to a tree. 



Actual planting is done in this fashion. Hold the plant 

 with the left hand in the position it should be when set. If it 

 is too large have some one else hold it for you. Work the fine 



196 



