The shape of plants has often been used for landscaping. This probably is the best time to play up the plant skeleton that forms the basic. The tree in the picture is Buddha's Coconut tree with distinct columnar shape. The three trees in the picture are more than 30 feet high,occupying the least space. The other columnar tree is Ashokan (Polyalthea longifolia pendula). But this tree has the weak mast and after growing for about 20 feet or so,the mast starts bending on one or the other side. So in such cases,one has to clip the tree at 12 to 15 feet height every year to keep it straight. The shape is maintained even after heading back. For screening effect,both these trees are excellent. Due to intense heat,I have completely covered my month-old litchi plant. Do I need to do more to keep it growing well? Gurdip Singh,Chandigarh One should,in fact,avoid planting litchi in this season. The best time for the plant is in October,when it is a safe bet. However,now do not cover the plant completely. Give an overhead cover of thatch erected on four pillars made with saria or twigs. This should be about three feet high. Wrap the main stem with white paper or whitewash it. Keep an eye for white ant infestation and take proper plant protection. I have spotted a few white spots on my lemon plant leaves. Are these due to some nutritional deficiency or because of some insect? Whats the remedy for this? Monika,Panchkula This is due to the summer heat and is reflected as burning of leaf tissues. It is more pronounced on lemon leaves. You can only give water on regular basis. The fault will be corrected on its own when the weather starts cooling with the onset of monsoons. I find many of my mango fruits falling prematurely. There was a favourable output this year and I was expecting a good crop. How can I stop it? Pooja,Mohali This is a natural phenomenon,due to the fact that the tree cannot take a load more than what it can carry. Do not worry: if you have taken proper plant protection measures at the time of fruit setting,you can expect good harvest. Is it the right time to multiply poinsettia? If so,then any instructions? Munshi Ram,Chandigarh You can wait for another 15 days or so and let the last of bracket dry of shed. Then take solid wood for making cuttings. Keep the cutting out in shade for a day before planting. For gardeing queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
