Down to Earth

The very existence of a tree is a thing of beauty. Its frame,even when it sheds leaves,is a thing of architectural beauty.

The very existence of a tree is a thing of beauty. Its frame,even when it sheds leaves,is a thing of architectural beauty. The deciduous trees shed leaves in winter,while some do in summer months and become dormant. Some people have their own way of decorating such trees. They feel that there should always be some or the other colour on the tree. See the accompanying picture. The tree has been decorated with baskets that are hung at eye level. Euphorbia in flowering is adding to the beauty. One thing to take care is that the large plants should not be planted. Only hanging or low headed plants should be planted. The base of the plant can be decorated with stones or pebbles. Such amends have to be removed once the tree starts sprouting.

The mussaenda plant that had shed leaves in winter has not yet sprouted. It seems to have dried. How can I know whether it is live or dead?Manisha,Chandigarh

This is the time when it will start sprouting. See closely and may be you will find the swelling in buds. In case you are not sure,give a little scratch to the twigs.

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If it is live,you will see green tissues beneath. And if it is snapping on bending the twig,it has dried. Cut the dead portion and wait for the plant to sprout.

The poinsettia plant has started shedding flowers. What should I do to multiply it?

Satnam Singh,Mohali

The poinsettia will shed flowers and bracts and may be you dont even like the look of this plant. You can multiply this plant by way of cuttings taken from hard wood.

I find the leaves of my roses shedding after turning yellow. Is it due to summer temperature? If it is due to a disease what should I do to check it?

Manbir,Mohali

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The rose leaves shed prematurely due to Tikka disease that is identified as a round yellow spot on leaves with a brown hallo around it. Spray bavistin,dissolved at one gram to a liter of water. Remove and destroy diseased leaves.

I have planted one mango tree and one chicku tree in this month. Any precautions?

Sanjiv,Panchkula Keep a watch that there is no die back of branches. If so,then cut them with a little healthy twig. Apply chlorpyriphos as measure against white ants. Provide protection as thatch roof in summer. Give water on alternate days.

For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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