with further on, they need some shade or a north 
exposure, shelter from wind, a damp atmosphere. 
If these conditions are lacking, sprinkle faithfully. 
For the average lawn, place them near the north 
wall of a building, or where they will get shade 
about half the day, but if the shade would be from 
maples or elms, better arrange the Rhododendrons 
elsewhere, in full sun if necessary — and provided 
they can be sure of abundant watering. Oak gives 
ideal shade, because oak roots do not rob the soil, 
while oak leaves rot acid. 
A perpetual mulch of oak leaves proves most 
satisfactory, although, since leaves blow around the 
lawn, some prefer the neater peat moss. A new and 
better treatment originated here, is to mulch with 
three or four inches of oak leaves, which are then 
covered completely and weighted down by stones 
the size of your fist or larger, laid edge to edge just 
like a cobble pavement. This may be left undisturbed for years. 
Still another good way of anchoring the leaf mulch is to cover 
with an inch of pine needles. Any mulch may be added to from 
time to time, but never removed or dug in. 
Rhododendrons should never be allowed to dry out. During 
even short droughts they should be sprinkled daily if possible, 
but not much during October and November, heaviest in May. 
