Planting And Care Of ShrubsWritten by Paul Curran
In general, trees and shrubs are planted and cared for in same way, difference between them being chiefly one of height. One definition of difference, however, is that while a tree has only one trunk, a shrub has several stems or trunks. Not so long ago number of reliable shrubs was quite limited, but today many new hybrids have lengthened list and gardener's choice is almost endless. No matter region, it is now possible to plant shrubs that will satisfy color needs, bloom at various seasons, cover bare spots where grass won't grow, or grow in such profusion and depth that screening purposes are served. Shrubs are valuable to gardener because they bridge gap between trees and flowers. As do trees, they serve as boundary markers, soften lines of buildings, act as a decorative background for flower beds and hide unsightly views. Like flowers, they add character and shape to garden, blooming forth with colorful blossoms and attracting birds with their berries. One big item in their favor is that they mature rapidly, yet remain as hardy and long-lived as trees. Planting of shrubs is tittle different from planting of trees. Early spring is most favorable time since it gives plant a long spell of good growing weather to get reestablished. In milder sections of country, however, transplanting may be done through winter months. In New England, evergreens may be planted in September and May, and deciduous shrubs in October and May.
| | Flowers of Red Violet in Dramatic DisplayWritten by Hans Dekker
Flowers of Red Violet in Dramatic Display Although many flowers are red-violet, several types of Japanese Iris exhibit color in a most spectacular fashion. Japanese Iris (I.ensata) are last of Iris to bloom and usually bloom about a month after Bearded and Siberian Iris have finished. Japanese Iris are a beardless iris that bear largest flowers of all. Spikes that reach up to three feet tall carry blooms in unique shapes, colors (including most brilliant red-violets), and striking patterns that measure as much as one foot in diameter. Broad foliage with a raised mid-rib makes a vertically interesting backdrop for other plants when Japanese Iris has finished blooming. The Japanese Iris is native to much of eastern Asia and has been cultivated in Japan for over 200 years. Single blooming varieties have three standards and three falls, doubles have six falls and peony-type blossoms are downward sloping with nine or more falls. Cultivars with red-violet flowers include “Royal Banner”, “Velvety Queen”, and spectacular, dark red-violet “Laughing Lion”.
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