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In some cases the first shoots produced, when removed, will be found to be hollow. Such cuttings are extremely difficult to root, and it is advisable to throw them away. Unless the stock is valuable, when it is obviously sensible to attempt to root them.

The factors that most influence the ways in which a plant develops in a garden are the plant’s hardiness, and the site and the aspect of the garden - that is, the amount of shade and the possibility of physical damage by wind if no support is provided.

Even in the smallest garden a wide range of microclimatic conditions exists. These can be used to control the amount of sunlight, water and wind coming into contact with plants, which determines their health. For instance, the way plants are grouped creates a microclimate, since the proximity of one plant may reduce the water, sun and wind received by its neighbour.

The existence of olives as food is the result of sheer chance combined with a stroke of genius. Present-day olive trees are apparently descended from a wild tree of Greek origin. The first such individual must have been the result of a chance mutation, some time as far back as 3000 B.C., and all the olive trees raised nowadays are its offspring, multiplied by man.

If we were given a choice of growing only one species from the large genus Alliurn the decision would be very difficult, but many persons would doubtless choose chives. Chives can be easily grown, not only in the garden but also in a windowbox or in a pot on the window sill.

The next priority is to decide how much space - if any - you want to devote to food growing, and to work out exactly where to site the vegetable plot and herb garden, if you want these areas.

Suckers coming up from the roots should always be cut off right to their base, while in the summer the strong lateral growths are broken back by about half their length with the back of the knife- blade. This is known as bruiting. By leaving the ends of these laterals rough (that is why they are broken off and not cut) secondary growths are discouraged.

Quinces make a nice ornamental tree in any garden. They bear 4 large white flowers in May or June, and the leaves, with their silvery down underneath, are most attractive.

There is no doubt at all that the best time to plant is November, and the earlier the better.Bush-shaped trees are best bought as two-year-olds but fan trees may be three years old.

Bush trees can be grown in two different ways: (a) in grass which must be kept constantly mown with the grass clippings allowed to remain each time as a mulch, thus helping to build up the necessary potash content of the soil; (b) on the straw mulching system by applying the straw all round the trees to the depth of a foot or so, and then using dried blood at 3 oz. to the sq. yard as a top dressing each February.