Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(b)
(c)
(a)
Figure 4.76
Training a standard. Select a plant with a strong central stem. Cut off side growth low on the plant and cut
to one or two leaves side growth further up (a). Continue this process until the trunk has reached the desired height with
two strong side growths below the apical bud. Cut out the apical bud (b). Remove any remaining side growths and
pinch out the tips of any new growth 5 to 8 cm long (c).
plant can be pruned out before removing the
apical bud. Now is the time to encourage the
bushy growth that will form the 'ball' on top
of the trunk (see Figure 4.76).
become too big for their space; they may have
ceased to be fruitful, or failed to flower as
profusely as they should.
First assess whether the plant is worth saving
or not. Is it diseased with many rotting limbs
or a bad viral infection (long, random
yellowish streaks on the leaves; take these to
be diagnosed by a horticulturalist or
nurseryman)? Is it as completely inappropriate
as a forest giant planted in a tiny inner city
courtyard? Is it a short-lived species that has
come to the end of its aesthetic life, like many
quick-growing species such as
Acacia
? Has the
ecosystem of the garden changed (e.g. trees
grown up and shading a sun-loving species)?
If so, the best solution is to remove or relocate
it and replant. Remember that nothing can
beat good plant selection.
Follow the same technique as for the topiary
shapes by constantly pinching out the tips of
new growth. Make sure that this growth does
not get longer than 5 to 6 cm, always keeping
in mind the shape you wish to achieve. The
end result should look something like
Figure 4.75.
Renovatingoldertreesandshrubs
Almost every garden has old and neglected
trees and shrubs whether they have been
under your care or not. Some have simply
