132 BOOK OF GARDEN PLANS 
WHEN TO PLANT 
Fall or spring planting depends on species, soil, climate, and other 
factors. Thorough workmanship is more important than season. 
Spring-blooming perennials should surely be moved in early fall. Some 
trees and shrubs are not to be moved in the late fall, for example: 
Evergreen trees, both coniferous and broad-leaved. (August-Sep- 
tember better.) 
Trees that grow very late, whose twigs scarcely ripen. Example, 
Peach. 
Trees that bloom late in summer. Example, Gordonia. 
Trees with soft punky roots. Example, Magnolia. 
Trees of doubtful hardiness. Example, Empress tree (in New Eng- 
land). 
Trees with thin bark. Example, Birch. 
Trees with a naturally poor root system. Example, Hickory. 
Perennials that bloom late. Example, Chrysanthemums. 
Perennials of doubtful hardiness (unless well covered). 
Of course it often happens that planting must be done while the work 
is being carried on, regardless of season. Shrubs and herbs may even be 
moved from a nursery in midsummer, if plenty of water is at hand. 
Spireas don’t mind a shift any day in the year, but Roses and Hawthorns 
will surely die if moved when in leaf. Success in out-of-season planting 
depends both on the care taken and the adaptability of the species. 
After all the planting is over and the beds have been raked smooth 
comes the question of maintenance. Some gardens are fussed with too 
much, and many are left too much to Nature. A great many plants 
“thrive under neglect,” and these should be used where we know that 
the pruning shears and spray pump will never enter, nor the spade come 
in to reset when the herbs are crowded. The Ailanthus may start the 
list of the large trees; the Flowering Dogwood of small trees; Van Hout- 
te’s Spiraa of large shrubs, Japanese Barberry of low shrubs; the Day 
Lilies are enduring herbs; and Periwinkle is a permanent ground cover. 
These plants always look healthy, though forgotten; they accomplish 
the impossible in the garden; they endure wear, neglect, poor scil, and 
insects. The list of such permanent plants is longer than at first would 
appear. 
ESTIMATING COSTS 
To estimate our work we compile cost data. For preliminary figures 
the following may be helpful, but remember that cost in any work de- 
pends first on local conditions, then on management. 
