May 2, 1903. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
377 
Hardy Trees and Shrubs. 
The weather, almost arctic in its severity, which we have 
been and are still experiencing, has proved most disastrous to 
many of our hardy trees and shrubs in this locality, and one 
hopes that such may not be the case in other parts of the 
country. For nearly a fortnight now the thermometer has 
fallen several degrees below the freezing-point, the most severe 
frost being 12 deg., and, despite the fact that many shrubs were 
protected, this penetrated the covering material. Owing to 
the exceptionally early spring, everything was in a very for¬ 
ward condition, and the damage sustained will, unfortunately, 
be noticeable, in many cases, throughout the year, which to 
every lover of hardy trees and shrubs is most disappointing 
after such a promising commencement. However, facts are 
stern things, and we can only hope the severe check will, as the 
respective seasons appear, have its beneficial as well as its 
detrimental effects. 
Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs.—These will requTe 
much care and attention to bring them safely through; this 
applies both to evergreen and deciduous trees. The common 
and fatal practice of applying too much water to the roots is 
often indulged in, and frequent drenchings are given with the 
hope of bringing them round—the very worst resource. One 
jood soaking when the growths and roots are practically in¬ 
active will generally suffice. What is of far greater import¬ 
ance during hot, drying weather is frequent dampings over- 
lead, and many which to all appearance are apparently past 
recovery may be brought into a state of active growth by these 
Tequent shower baths. Many of the deciduous kinds of trees, 
‘specially such as Quercus, Pyrus, and Crataegus, may be saved 
oy pruning the heads hard back when found not to start away 
it the proper time; thus the stress on the plant will not be 
learly so great, and in nine cases out of ten they will break 
iway from the base. Very large trees will be much benefited 
f hay bands are wound round not too closely together. These 
liould be damped but removed when active growth is assured. 
The fate of Conifers which were transplanted last autumn, 
an now be determined, and any which may have failed to grow 
hould at once be removed and the vacancies made good. This 
nay be safely accomplished if great care is exercised in the 
peration. No pains must be spared in performing the work, 
j/hich should be carried out promptly and expeditiously, the 
ize of the ball being determined by the size of the tree. In 
he case of large specimens, the bigger the bulk of soil, provid- 
ng it can be transported safely, the better. Allow plenty of 
oom for working, and the roots should receive as little injury 
Is possible. After placing in its new abode, carefully lay out 
fie roots which are exposed, trim off any that may be damaged 
’om the underside, and carefully work in some finely-prepared 
)il among them. When this is completed, and the hole filled 
i and made firm, apply a good mulching of half-decayed stable 
lanure, and thoroughly support the plant, either with stakes 
r wires. Keep the growths well moistened, so that they do 
^t drcop, and success will generally crown one’s efforts. I 
rve known large trees moved when in full growth, and when 
eated in this way have suffered but little, if any, check, 
hujas, Cupressus, and Pinus of sorts will invariably do well 
hen moyed at this season. 
Flex of sorts are blooming most profusely this year, and 
iy beds or patches which have become bare and unsightly may 
i safely cut down hard to the ground immediately the flower- 
g season is over. The double form Ulex europaeusj flore pleno, 
liicli is unquestionably the best of all, will be much bene- 
ted if, after pruning, a good surface dressing of half-decayed 
anure and good turfy loam is applied in equal proportions. 
Jnista hispanica, the Spanish Gorse, will answer well to the 
me treatment. The young shoots must be protected against 
ound game by placing wire-netting round them till they 
come established, where these abound, as both rabbits and 
v es are particularly fond of the voumr tender shoots. 
Ericas of sorts, such as the delightful E. carnea, should also 
pi uned hard back immediately they have done flowering and 
ve become bare of foliage, when they will be found to break 
away freely and form dense masses. This requires to be done 
about every five or six years. 
Moutan Paeonies.—There is now a magnificent collection of 
these shrubby forms of Paeonies, and they are well worthy of cul¬ 
tivation, either in mixed shrubberies or in beds by themselves. 
These are gross feeders, and should be heavily mulched with 
good, half-decayed cow manure. Carefully examine them, and 
clear away any growths from the stock, or these will quickly 
get the best of it, especially when the plants are small. The 
growths should be supported with neat stakes, as the new 
growths are made, which at this stage are easily damaged. 
Many of the best varieties are imported from Japan, and will 
succeed in almost any kind of soil, providing it is well enriched. 
The shrubbery beds and borders should be frequently hoed to 
keep down weeds, and to render the surface soil fresh and tidy. 
A. E. Thatcher. 
Aldenham House Gardens, Elstree, Herts. 
Among the Orchids. 
Phalaenopsis.— Few plants in the Orchid family present a 
more pitiful sight than the various species of Phalaenopsis 
where they cannot be induced to grow in a satisfactory manner, 
yet when suitable conditions are found to meet the require¬ 
ments of the plants, I have found nothing more easily cul¬ 
tivated. To find these conditions is the greatest difficulty. I 
remember some ten years ago, when taking charge of an ex¬ 
tensive collection, my employer remarking that there was only 
one place and one particular spot in which the plants could be 
kept alive, in reply to my suggestion that, owing to the un¬ 
satisfactory conditions of the plants, some other position would 
be advisable. It ended in the plants being hung up close to 
the roof in the same house where they previously stood on the 
stages. This sufficed to bring about the desired effect, and at 
the present time there is. not a more satisfactory lot of plants 
in cultivation. Many of the plants, I know, were from the 
earliest importations of the different species. 
The plants at this season, having had a prolonged rest since 
the flower-spikes were removed, will be commencing to. emit 
new roots, and the young leaves will appear-. The plants must 
therefore receive more liberal treatment in respect to root 
moisture. It is advisable to attend to any repotting require¬ 
ments that may be necessary. It is not advisable to turn the 
plants out of their receptacles annually; only when the plants 
require more room, or owing to decay, should repotting be 
done. Pick out all dead or decaying matter about the roots 
with the aid of a sharp-pointed stick, and replace with fresh 
drainage and chopped living sphagnum moss, pressed 
moderately firm. Water as soon as repotting requirements are 
completed, and replace the plants in their growing quarters, 
where they may have every encouragement to induce rapid 
development of growth. 
Cattleya citrina.—One of the most fragrant and singularly 
distinet species, from the fact that it has the extraordinary 
habit of growing with its head downwards; no matter how the 
plants are potted, the first growth will develop the pendent 
characteristic. C. citrina does well in the cool house during 
the summer months, but should be placed under warmer treat¬ 
ment during the winter, the period at which the plants are in 
an active state. At the present time the plants are developing 
their flower-buds ; while in flower, if the plants are placed in 
a cool house where the atmosphere is not too heavily charged 
with moisture, the flowers last a long time in perfection. The 
yellow citron,-scented flowers are always attractive and appre¬ 
ciated. I prefer growing the plants in baskets or shallow 
pans just large enough to contain them, with as little potting 
compost about them as possible. In Mexico, the plants have 
an exceedingly diy season—so dry, in fact, that it would be 
difficult to provide anything approaching similar atmospheric 
conditions under artificial employment. The moisture 
accompanying the rainy season being also difficult to imitate, 
renders the treatment of C. citrina not altogether easy or of a 
satisfactory nature. Little difficulty is found for the first few 
