Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
LEAVESANDOTHERGREEN
PARTSOFPLANTS
• They manufacture food for the plant and,
ultimately, all of us
• They need light together with water and
CO
2
to produce sugars, plant building
blocks
• The base of leaves shelter buds/growth
points/meristems that can become stems or
branches
• Leaves are arranged in a predictable order
(according to species)
• A pruner can encourage growth in a
particular direction by cutting to a bud or
leaf node facing in the desired direction
Yoursiteandplantselection
The success of any landscape is reliant on the
suitability of the plant material selected for the
site. Always analyse the site before you plant to
ensure quick establishment and bountiful fruit
flowers and foliage. This may seem a long way
from pruning but well-selected plants will
reward the pruner. Those growing outside of
their ecological range will struggle. There is
nothing more depressing than dead plants,
and they certainly don't need pruning!
Figure 1.9
When leaves are arranged opposite to each
other on a stem each pair angles away from the previous
pair. This was taken in the afternoon and so the westward
leaves get the maximum sun exposure.
imperative for the most elegant of espaliers
(see page 131) for renovating old plants by
cutting into old wood, directing the width of
a canopy on weeping plants or while training
any young plant. Note the leaf scars/dormant
buds on the stems on Figure 1.6. Each leaf
hides a bud/growth point/meristem ready to
be stimulated into growth by pruning. See
pages 54 and 83 for a list of which plants
grow from old wood.
There are a few basic site evaluations that
need to be made before you plant. Never
underestimate the value of local knowledge.
Ask around and seek out local climate
information.
Aspect
The site's aspect or relationship with the
equator is crucial. It governs how much
No matter how the leaves are placed on the
stem, they are arranged so that each leaf will
get its turn in the sun (see Figure 1.8).
