1 OCTOBER 1937, Page 17

A Textbook Fallacy It is not always wise on the

part of the amateur gardener to obey with any slavishness expert advice, for example in the date of transplanting. With regard to most trees and bushes the textbooks will advise transplanting deciduous trees in November (or later) and evergreen in October—if an autumnal not a vernal date is preferred. This advice does not apply to bushes we shift within our own garden or from our neigh- bour's. September is not too early if growth has ceased. The reason for this distinction between the transplantation of things that have to travel and those that can be shifted before there is any drying of the roots is very well and succinctly argued by a writer in the Estate Magazine, issued by the Country Gentleman's Association. Personally I was once forced to move house in June, and carried off the rose bushes at that date. Not one single one suffered in the least. Of course a June date is not to be recommended ; but there is scarcely any date when careful transplantation is not possible, if the soil is very moist. Bushes planted in September may make a deal of useful root before winter sleep begins.

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