Evening Star Newspaper, March 1, 1930, Page 20

REAL ESTATE. THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1930. THE HOME GARDENER Practical and Seasonal Hints for the Amateur for Beautifying Surroundings of the Home. ‘ I PRU I This is the busy pruning season of the year, but let us:be careful that we do‘ !not carry the pruning business too far. | Certain shrubs, the lilac, the spiraeas, | the mock orange and all the early Spring flowering plants, should not be touched at this season except to remove dead wood, for obviously the shears will | be simp.y cutting away the Spring show of bloom. Grapes, apples, pears, peaches | and all fruit plants are pruned at this | season of the year. Here again the Emner is cutting out part of the bloom, | ut since fruit rather than beauty is | the prime purpose of fruit plants and, since each plant produces vastly more flowers than it could possibly carry to maturity as fruit, the problem is dif- ferent. It is well to remember, however, that pruning is a dwarfing process. The pruned plant, whether it be a fruit tree, ornamental or vegetable such as the tomato, makes less growth. Pruning, therefore, should be just as little as is needed to remove crossing limbs, water sprouts and to allow beiter spraying. ‘The one exception to this rule is the old tree which has developed lots of small short spurs and is making no vigorous growth. Every one has scen old apple trees which have reached a stage of small apples and a top full of short, scrubby growth. Such a tree will bene- fit by & thorough cleaning out, espz- cially in the topmost branches. The grape is one plant that should be pruned now before the sap begins to flow. Although scicntific men are ac- customed to tell us that sap bleeding is of no harm, it certainly cannot be bene- ficial. Grapes on a simple two-wire BY J. B. WELLINGTON. ! trellis are rather easy to prune, the| principal idea being to save 40 to 60 buds on last year's wood. To cut away 2ll of last season’s wood is to court dis- | aster since the fruit is all borne on £hoots which arise from last year’s wood. ‘The Kniffen system of training, in which one stem is brought to the top wire and kept as a trunk from which four arms of new wood are annually saved is practiced by many home gar- deners about the city. Those who grow grapes on arbors have more of a prob- Jem, but must follow the same prin- ciple—that is, to save 40 or more young ‘buds, perhaps in this case on a total of several shorter canes. One cannot arbi- trarily set 40 buds as a standard be- cause much depends on the age and wvigor of the vine. A strong vine, well fed and sprayed, can carry 60 buds or more better than a weak plant could perhaps carry 40. Summing ‘up, one would say that pruning in itself does not consist in simply cutting off a certain percentay of the wood each year. Pruning should take into consideration the normal fruit habit of the tree. Apples and pears, for nce, {ruit chiefly on short crooked growths called spurs. Cutting these growths out of the young tree is disas- trous. The peach biossoms only on last year's wood. Clipping over the outer part of the peach tree, in the manner of gerum.ng a hhedge.ml:g decidedly unwfie cause one is cul away potentially fruiting wood. Thinning out some of the limbs is a better practice. Those Wwho may be interested in the subject may secure helpful advice from the De- g:\m‘;lent of Agriculture or, if they live Va., or College Park, Md. ‘There is plenty of fruit grown in our focal home gardens that never makes the acquaintance of a protective spray of any kind. Yet because of worm holes and other blemishes no one would have difficulty in distinguishing this fruit if it were displayed in competition with that which had been sprayed. Early Spring is an important time in the spraying business for two reasons—tress are still inactive and certain pests are &t their most vulnerable stage. Spray- ing at this time of year is chiefly for scale insects, those “minute creatures ‘Wwhich guard themselves by depositing a otective layer of wax over their bodies eggs as it may be. The San Jose scale is perhaps the worst of all in this Tegion and is perfectly able to destroy ‘Whole fruit trees and plants. On the mature apple or pear fruit, the scale may be often seen as a small circular Teddened area. scaly encrustation scarcely discernible to the casual eye. So numerous are the insects that they may literally cover every bit of surface and destroy the apple or currant or Japanese quince, as 4t may be, by sucking out its sap. __Lime-sulphur, a reddish brown liquid compound or ordinary lime and sulphur, has long been used for combating scale, and, although giving way to oils in some Jocalities, is still a standard treatment because of its greater safety. Lime- sulphur may be had at most of the suburban hardware stores or at the seed stores. Directions for dilution or solution if in powdered form are on the weceptacle. The plant with its follage still inclosed in the bud scales can withstand a concentration at this season ‘which would kill it in the growing sea- son. Lime-sulphur is a dual pw spray, for in addition mects, re ‘The lime-sulphur s is perhaps the most important of fl?enyyelr Certainly if scale insects are present, .:m: Tny!md dflubtt tl‘a.e l'll;lm" lm&omnt any event, ipful it trees and many shrubs, i ARD! SEEDS. Just as “all that glitters is not gold,” # is equally true that the wonderfully decorated package of garden seed may prove disappointing. There are certain possibilities, namely, old seed, low in power to live and grow, seed {in & business-like manner. On the bark there is a | Before and after views of grape pruning. The picture above shows a thrifty | unpruned vine at this season, literally a web of canes which, if allowed to grow, | will result in a tangle of growth and small and uneven clusters of fruit. The | lower view shows a vine pruned to the four-armed Kniffen system, a simple and | satisfactory method for the home gardener. mixed with other varieties or even with weeds, and lastly unclean seed in the sense that it may carry disease spores. Any one or more of these un- desirable conditions is certain to bring disappointment. But how is one to know good seed? Principally by mak- ing purchase through a regular seed house, whose principal business is the handling of seed. The life and suc- cess of such business depends on giving satisfaction to the grower. No pains are spared by the large seed business to procure seed from the best producing sections of the world. Many of the large firms own their own seed farms in various favorable locations. These seedsmen employ well trained growers to keep the seed stocks pure from mixture and it stands to reason that they are the safest source of garden seed for every one. Their prices are often no higher than their less reliable competitors who employ no such standards. It is true that quite often packets of seed gathered here and there at random give satisfaction, but for security the er should not chance his time, labor and satis- faction on doubtful seed. Garden seed, as a rule, loses its value rapidly with age, especially if kept under ordinary home conditions of con- stantly changing humidity and heat. Hence last year's remnants are of dubious value and should be tested be- | tween layers of moist blotting paper or cloths to ascertain germination. Often weak sprouting is not a guarantee that the remaining vigor is sufficient | to_push the young plant through the | soil o even enable it to withstand cold, | wet conditions which usually occur in | the open ground. ‘The sensible plan of procedure is to some sort of a simple plan of the proposed plantings, estimating fairly closely how many feet of each kind of by reference to a seed catalogue one can ascertain how much seed will be needed. In this way there will be no large surplus stocks of expensive seed left over at the end of the season and one will have the satisfaction of proceeding Seed catalogues are easily procured at this season; & postal card to the seedsman will bring one. The seed catalogue of today can be a very material help to the gardener, not only in selection of varieties, but in planning the garden. ‘Whenever the soil is in condition to spade or plow is now the proper season to get it into shape for planting, even though actual sowing of seed may not occur for several weeks. As a rule the more care spent in preparing the soil the better the crops and the less cul- tural care required to bring them through. On the other hand, it does not pay to work sticky clay soil at this season’ unless it crumbles readily under & blow of the spade. Home gardeners. need not worry if also | daffodilis, tulips and hyacinths begin to thrust their leaves above the soil. ‘The flower buds are still beneath the soil and it is astonishing what resistance to freezing is shown by young leaves at this season. Snowdrops sre not much in them- selves, but have a great deal of signifi- cance as the first harbinger of a new season. The humble little bulbs have great persistence when once established and are much more enduring than crocus or tulips. Without care and in competition with grass, the snowdrop will hold its own and increase. There are two or more species of snowdrop, with considerable difference in size of bloom, but at the best the flowers are on rent-like terms 649 HAMILTON N.W. Dunigan-built Petworth Home with detached garage and big back yard. Conven- ient to bus and street cars. Thoroughly modern equip- ment. An exceptional value. OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 9 P.M. D. J. DUNIGAN, Inc. Tower Bldg. Nat'l 1267 vegetable or flower is desired. Then | ' small, conspicuous only because of their extreme earliness. Few people realize that leaves and straw are of no immediate value in the garden soil; in fact, are harmful be- cause of their indirect competition with the plants for nitrogen. The bacteria of the soil that break down leaves or straw or rotting wood use nitrogen and draw on that available to the plant. The proper way to handle leaves or straw is to bury them in a pit or pile them in an out-of-way corner to de- compose. This breaking down can be hastened by adding poultry manure, shecp manure or other nitrogen supply- ing fertilizer and lime. GARDEN CLUBS. »In anticipation of the approach of a new gardening season, the various gar- den clubs about the city and suburbs have already opened activities. In fact, certain of the clubs maintain programs throughout the Winter, Wull?ungwn': birthday is always the signal for the beginning of outdoor activities, more than ever this year on account of the unusually delightful weather. The Takoma Horticultural Club held its annual pruning demonstration on February 22 at the home of Zeb La Pelle, 4719 Blair road. The president of the club, Edwin C. Powell, showed how to prune fruit trees and grape vines, C. C. Carroll demonstrated the best methods of pruning roses and H, C. Skeels discussed the principles of prun- ing shrubs. As usual there were a large number of questions which were answered very satisfactorily. Mr. La Pelle's place is ideal for such a demon- stration, there being almost every kind of the common hardy plants growing ere, This club met Monday even at the Takoma Park branch of meh!l'fxbllc Library with H. W. Warner of the Na- tional Fertilizer Association and P. L. Ricker of the Department of Agricul- ture as guest speakers. Mr. Warner told how and when to use lime in the home plantings, pointing out that excess lime can injure the lawn and certain plants of the azalea family, but that in the vegetable garden, lime is es- sential for most crops. Mr. Ricker presented some wonderful views of ex- The New Homes in Price EASY TERMS 906 New York Ave. N.W. Philip Stearns and Peter J. Hagan Trading as Stearns-Hagan, Inc. Announce the Removal of Their Real Estate Office to 1024 Vt. Ave. N.W. New Office Open Monday Jameson-Bu DWELLINGS GIVEN 0. K. BY ARCHITECT BOARD Three Under Construction by Boss & Phelps on Thirty-second Street Formally Approved. ‘Three dwellings to be erected at 5411, 5419 and 5424 Thirty-second street by Boss & Phelps, from plans by John W. Kearney, architect, have been com- mended by the Architects’ Advisory Council, a voluntary jury consisting of members of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The construction cost of the dwellings is $6,750 for the first two and $6,500 for | the latter. ‘The “commended” rating of the coun- cil means that in the jury’s opinion the | design “meets exceptionally well the standards which should be maintained | for private buildings in the National | Capital.” The jury also “approved” the design for two dwellings to be erected at 5717 and 5721 Nevada avenue for E. M. Wil- lis, jr., from plans by George T. Sant- myers; for a dwelling to be erected at 7708 Twelfth street for Henry J. Con- nor, designer and owner, and five dwell- ings to be erected in the 2000 block of M street northeast for the Shelbourne Co., Inc, from plans by Robert O. Scholz, architect. APARTMENT BUILDING SOLD FOR $165,000 Three-Story Structure Fronting on Calvert Street Is Acquired by E. G. Creel. The three-story apartment building at 2501 Calvert street, which overlooks the site of the new Shoreham Hotel and Rock Creek Park, has been purchased by E. G. Reel, it is reported by Mc- Keever & Goss, who handled the trans- action. The building has a wide front- age on Calvert street and is of fire- proof construction. The consideration was reported to be approximately $165,000. David C. Butcher has purchased from the Columbia Sand & Gravel Co. prop- | erty located on K street near Thirty- fifth street, it also is reported by Mc- | Keever & Goss. The property consists of 14,582 square feet. It is zoned for industrial use, and has both rail and ‘water frontages. | ‘The adjoining property on K street near Thirty-fifth street, consisting of 13,122 square feet, has been purchased by an out-of-town investor. This also is zoned for industrial purposes. Columbian Dean Buys Home. Dr. Charles E. Hill, dean of Colum- bian College, has purchased the de- tached brick dwelling at 1303 Floral street. ‘The property was acquired through the office of Boss & Phelps | from Dr. Charles F. Ferguson. The house contains eight main rooms and two baths, The house is of the center- hall plan. Raymond Clapper Buys Dwelling. Raymond Clapper, Washington man- ager of the United Press, has pur- | chased the new detached brick dwelling at 209 Primrose street, Chevy Chase, Md., it is announced by Boss & Phelps, | who handled the transaction. ‘The | property was acquired from George F. Mikkelson. The house is of the center- hall type, containing eight main rooms and two baths. " | Cottage City Bungalow Sold. | William H. Dodd has purchased a! bungalow residence at 613 Oakmont street, Cottage City, Md., it is reported by Moore & Hill. The house contains five rooms and bath. It is situated on a lot 50 feet by 150 feet. Holbrook Ten:ace Home Sold. Nunzio and Angelinio Pettinatto have purchased the residence at 1266 Hol- brook terrace northeast through the agency of Moore & Hill. The house contains six rooms, bath and built-in 1t is of brick th panding flowers as shown by the slow motion camera. The Community Garden Club of Rockville held a business meeting Feb- ruary 17 at the home of Mrs. Ford E. Young, Alta Vista, Md. Plans for the coming season were discussed. Mrs. J. ‘T. Engle is chairman of publicity. Petworth 8,250 Up Inspect at Once 415 to 445 Jefferson St. N.W. 6, 7 and 8 large rooms, tiled bath, built-in tub, shower, hardwood floors, cedar-lined closets, servant’s toilet and wash trays, Frigidaire and other modern appointments. Double rear porches and concrete front porch. Paved street and alley. Lots 140 feet deep. Garage with each house. Conveniently located to schools, street cars, stores and churches, Thos. AY Jameson Co. OWNERS and BUILDERS Nat'l 5526 Bungalow residence at 4406 Stanford street, Leland, Chevy Chase, which has been purchased from the builders, M. & R. B. Warren, by John J. McNeely and his sister, Mrs. Helen McDonald. REMOVAL NOTICE Wmn. S. Phillips & Co. Announces it has moved its offices from 1501 K St. N.W, to THE VALLEY VISTA APARTMENT HOUSE 2032 Belmont Ré. N.W. Phone Decatur 5000 The Charm of Early English Influence —— An Unusual MILLER-BUILT Cleveland Park Home N appealing harmony of architectural beauty and practical plan . . . Center-hall design, 8 spacious rooms, 3 tiled baths and first-floor lava- tory, finished attic . . . Deep wooded lot with apple trees, attractively landscaped; 2-car garage, porch . . . Many un- usual features in decoration and equipment that make this home decidedly smart. Reached from Connecticut or Wisconsin Avenues. On 35th Street, just north of Macomb. W. C. & A. N. MILLER REALTORS—DEVELOPERS 1119 17th Street Decatur 0610 OPEN AND LIGHTED UNTIL 9P M Just Off 16th Street Extended —Adjacent to Rock Creek Park The home shown above is in our new Northgate development adjoining Rock Creek Park. Here you are offered a selection of several distinctive designs and appealing floor plans. Brick and frame construc- tion, 3 and 4 bed rooms, 2 tile baths, large attics fin- ished with Cel-o-tex, electric refrigeration, two-car built-in garages and effectively planted lots with 57 feet frontage. Two already sold. Outstanding new home offerings. Prices range from $18,750 up. EXHIBIT HOME 1327 KALMIA ROAD N.W. Open and heated Sunday until 9 P.M. Reached via 16th St. (beyond Walter Reed Hospital) to Kalmia Road, Turn Right to Houses. N, Sansbury NY INC. Realtors OWNERS—BUILDERS 1418 Eye St. REA!L ESTATE. If you didi. know the rice you would think these very expensive homes NOW OPEN FOR YOUR INSPECTION 1209 Owen St. N.E. ¢ 220 17th P1. N.E. In the beautifully de- The only house left veloped Trinidad sec- in this group; a re- tion. Has paved street stricted new neighbor- and alley. Only two hood adjoining Eastern blocks from Sears- High School ; very near Roebuck. e to downtown. Six and seven well arranged rooms, a tiled bath with shower; many distinctive features, including paneled walls, oak floors, chestnut trim, radio outlets, the new Green Jacket heating system. Built-in garage. As Low as Small Cash Payment— $7,950 Balance, $15 a Week BY COMPARISON—THE BEST BUY Robert W. Savage 717 Union Trust Bldg. Nat'l 6799 Or Your Broker e Woodridge, D. 6 - 1427 Kearney St. N.E. Price, $6,250 Very Easy Terms These semi-detached homes comtain 5 rooms and bath, hard- wood floors throughout, hot-water heat, byeakfast and sleeping porches, large landscaped yards, electricity. Close to car and bus lines. To Reach—Take bus starting at 10th and E Sts. N.W. marked Hyatts~ ville, get off at 14th and Monroe Sts. N.E., wall: two blocks south to Kearney St. then 34 block to houses, or take any car starting at 15th and G St& N.W., get off at 14th and R. I. Ave. N E., walk north to Kearney St. Open Saturday Afternoon and All Day Sunday M. & R. B. Warren 3950 Comn. Ave. Tel. Clev. 7330 Bladensburg Road and M Street N.E. 7 Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, $8,450 The finest equipped homes in Washington at the price KELVINATOR electric refrigeration, embossed linoleum in kitchens, hardwood floors and trim through- out, colored tiled baths with showers, cedar closets, copper screened-in breakfast porches, concrete streets and alleys. $500 Cash—$59.50 Month Inspect 1221 19th Place N.E. Open Daily and Sunday Until 9 P.M. G. A. Wilson Co. 1221 19th Place N.E. Atlantic 1274 The Euening Htar model home is now under ‘construction in this desirable home community The Only New Homes Near GRANT CIRCLE SEE 4411 3RD ST.N. W. Colonial Type, Tapestry Brick Home with Concrete Front Porch and Mansard Roof With Attractive Dormer Windows 20 Ft. Wide, Making All Rooms Large and Desirable Contalning 6 Bright, Beautiful Rooms 2-Color Tile Bath, With Bulit-in Tub and Shower Breakfast Porch and Sleeping Porch 20 ft. Wide by 10 ft. Deep Hardwood Floors and Trim Throighout Large Clothes Closet, With Plate-Glass Mirror Door Beautiful Electric Fixtures Red Jacket Boller, Automatic Hot Water Heater Well-Planned Kitchen With Special Bullt-In Cabinets, One- plece Sink and Large Frigidaire Large Yards, Beautifully Shrubbed and Planted *9,250 TERMS More Features and More Values Than Ever Offered in This Location at This Price. 49 Built—6 Left CAFRI Dist. 9080 Garage Located on One of the Highest Points in Washington and Con- venient to Parochlal and Public Schools, Stores, Cars and Buses. This is an Unusual Value, being & 20-ft. House at the same Price of One 18 ft. Wide Also Some 8-room Homies of the Same Type at $9,050