The Rural Voice, 1979-05, Page 50Ornamental Trees for Canadian Gardens,
and publication 995, Trees for Ornamental
Planting. For copies of these free public-
ations contact Information Services, Agri-
culture Canada, Ottawa, K1A 007.
Learn from your
horticultural society
More than 55,000 people belong to the
250 horticultural societies in Ontario,
according to Russ Gomme of the Agri-
cultural and Horticultural Societies Branch
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
"The activities of local horticultural
societies vary," he says. "But you can
count on learning more about all types of
gardening."
M ost societies meet once a month.
Educational programs often feature
experts from local nurseries, parks and
schools discussing specific horticultural
subjects.
"Competition is another part of horti-
cultural society activities," says Mr.
Gomme. "Many societies hold flower and
vegetable shows in conjunction with fall
fairs."
Some societies also sponsor beautifi-
cation competitions to encourage local
residents and merchants to spruce up their
premises, or to encourage neighborhoods
to plant trees.
"The attractiveness of several Ontario
communities can be traced to the dedi-
cation of horticultural society members,"
says Mr. Gomme. "Some societies have
developed parks and public gardens to help
beautify their community."
Almost every community in Ontario has
a horticultural society. Further information
about local societies can be obtained from
local libraries, municipal offices, or the
chamber of commerce.
"Membership in local horticultural
societies will benefit gardeners of all
ages," says Mr. Gomme. "Their plants
will benefit too."
Don't be afraid to prune
Don't be afraid to prune trees and
shrubs, says Bob Fleming, Ontario Mini-
stry of Agriculture and Food horticulturist.
The best time to prune most trees and
shrubs is in the early spring before the
foliage begins to appear. At this time, it is
easier to see the overall shape of the plant.
Flowering shrubs and trees should be
pruned in early June, after the plant has
flowered, so you can enjoy the maximum
bloom.
There are several reasons for pruning
trees and shrubs. Removing part of the top
of a tree or a shrub balances the roots
which were lost during transplanting.
"One quarter of the top can be removed
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by pruning weak, crowding branches, and
shortening some of the remaining branch-
es," says Mr. Fleming.
Pruning also removes weak or dead
wood which interferes with new growth.
Prune unwanted growth so that air and
light can reach the center of the tree or
shrub.
When pruning trees or shrubs to achieve
a desired form, don't try to change the
plant's natural shape and growth habit.
"Pruning helps avoid narrow crotch
angles of tree limbs which can be easily
broken during storms," says Mr. Fleming.
"Remove narrow -growing branches before
they become too large."
Prune main branches so they are spaced
symmetrically around the trunk. This
should be done for the first four or five
years of growth.
Another important reason for pruning is
to obtain the maximum display of bloom,
and to increase the flower or fruit size.
When pruning shrubs, don't shear them
at the top. Remove the oldest wood to allow
space for new growth. Don't prune too
severely all at once or you will stimulate too
much vegetative growth which will not
flower well.
"Always prune a hedge so that the base
is wider than the top," advises Mr.
Fleming. "This allows light to reach the
lower branches, and produces a hedge that
is full to the base."
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THE RURAL VOICE/MAY 1979 PG. 49