DATE: Sunday, November 9, 1997              TAG: 9711040144

SECTION: HOME                    PAGE: G1   EDITION: FINAL 

COLUMN: GARDENING

SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER

                                            LENGTH:   30 lines

TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT DISEASE

RAKE FALLEN LEAVES and remove them and other plant debris from shrubs and throughout the garden. Dried plant tissues provide a winter homes for many plant diseases.

Check trees and shrubs for damaged or diseased areas and remove those portions of the plant. Consider pruning trees and shrubs to increase air circulation in the landscape, says the director of scientific services for the American Phytopathological Society. This reduces the length of time moisture stays on the leaves. Too much moisture encourages diseases.

As houses are built closer and closer together, there is less air circulation through plants and trees. Don't hesitate to thin trees and shrubs to increase air movement. For most plants, the best time to do this is late February. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

SALLY FERGUSON

Dutch delight

Fall is the best time to plant spring-blooming Dutch bulbs, and

one that's sure to be a favorite this year is a new tulip named

Orange Sun. Its popular orange color and its fragrance make it a

winner.

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