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Desert Shrubs: The most extensive natural grasslands occur between hot desert shrubs and tropical rain forest and between hot desert shrubs and temperate zone forests. Portions of the northern tundra and grassy areas at altitudes above tree line may also be classed as grasslands. From the hot desert shrubs toward cooler and more humid regions, several vegetation types are crossed: desert shrubs -» desert shrubs shrub -» steppe (short grass) -» prairie (temperate tall grass) -> forest -» tundra. From the desert shrubs to the tropical forest regions similar vegetation changes occur: desert shrubs —> subtropical desert shrubs shrub —> steppe -» savanna -> tropical forest. This sequence is much modified by influences of latitude, altitude, topography, landmass, and local climate.
Grass, growing in the shade of trees and shrubs, has to compete with them for food as well as moisture. Relieve the pressure of this competition by providing for the needs of the trees and shrubs as •well as the grass. Fertilize the lawn regularly and also the trees and shrubs. So far as possible, place the fertilizer intended especially for the trees and shrubs deep in the soil so that their roots are encouraged to strike downward. This may be done by using the method described below. Fertilizer intended primarily for the grass is applied at the surface.
SHRUBS ARE commonly grouped either with other shrubs or with herbaceous plants and annuals, but some kinds look their best planted as isolated specimens and some can be trained against walls. Magnolia stellata is an excellent example of the former type and pyracantha, Japanese quince (Chaenomelesjaponica), and ceanothus all do well against walls, where their stiff branches may provide support for genuine climbers, such as the less rampant varieties of clematis. Most shrubs take several years to attain their full size. In the meantime, temporary plants, such as dahlias, annuals and herbaceous perennials, can be used to fill the space until the shrubs require it all. |
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