28 
The Garden Magazine, March, 1924 
DEUTZIA EFFECTIVELY LINKS LAWN AND DWELLING 
Justly named gracilis is this species of Deutzia, a native of Japan now gracing American 
gardens with its long sprays of white bloom thrown lightly out to swing in mild May winds 
reaction of the soil : one when the winter covering is removed, 
another just before they come into bloom, and the last before 
frost. A large handful to each plant is none too much. 
When it comes to planting at the east and south there is a 
far greater opportunity for selection because the majority of 
green things like sun and lots of it. Choice depends largely on 
individual taste and one’s pocket-book. You may notice in 
the illustration (on preceding page) that only one shrub, Spiraea 
Vanhouttei, is in bloom. This by no means signifies that the 
others do not blossom, merely that the planting has been so 
arranged that not all bloom at the same time. In this matter 
you must make a choice; whether you will have a burst of bloom 
as if nature had extravagantly poured all the color from her 
paint-pot—This glory to last for some two weeks; or whether by 
choosing plants which do not flower at the same time, you will 
extend the season of color, although of necessity it must be less 
vivid at any one time. 1 chose the latter, though this is 
entirely a matter of personal preference. When your shrubs 
are established, you will find nooks about them for a few her¬ 
baceous perennials; there is no location where they are lovelier, 
for green is the perfect background. 
J UST a word about planting. Someone has said: “Don’t 
dig a hole and throw a plant in it as if it were a dead dog.” 
It is really appalling how many inexperienced persons do 
about this. Remember that the health and future life of your 
plant depend on its roots. Give them a chance. 
Most nursery stock comes with roots wrapped in a ball of 
earth. Disturb this as little as possible. Dig a hole at least 
eighteen inches deep; for large shrubs, two feet; then fill to a 
foot of the top with well-mixed loam and manure—for the 
Heath family omit the manure. Pour water into the hole up to 
the top. When this has sunk in, place the plant in the center 
so that the top of the ball of earth will be about two inches from 
the surface. Press firmly in place taking care not to break 
the roots; cover for about an inch with more of the mixture you 
have used for the hole. Again fill up the hole with water and 
allow this to seep thoroughly through the soil. When the 
water has settled, fill to the brim with more prepared soil and 
firm down. I find that my feet are the best implements for this 
last operation. It is not necessary to water again. When 
shrubs are planted by this method, they are almost sure to live. 
Of course, when there is a prolonged period of dry weather 
directly after they are set, they will require extra water. This 
should be given to the depth of at least a foot, preferably in the 
evening and with water from which the chill has been removed. 
Loosen the soil on the surface the following day. Surface 
watering is of no use whatever. 
Most nurserymen state in their catalogues the time of bloom 
for the stock they offer; also whether it is shade- or sun-loving. 
If they do not, find out before you buy; it is most important for a 
successful planting. And while waiting for the shrubs to attain 
size I fill the spaces between them with Petunias or some other 
quick-growing showy annuals. 
