Unless a freshly planted tree is staked securely its chances of quick establishment are not good, because it will be rocked about by the wind. The stake need only be of the same length as the main stem of the tree it supports; the top should not rise among the branches, or it will be unsightly. The base should be charred or pickled in cold creosote for a length of 18 inches, to which extent it will be buried in the ground. The stakes should be put in when the trees are planted; if inserted afterwards, damage to the roots may occur. A narrow strip of old sacking should be passed round the stem of the tree where the tying material is placed, or at any point where tree and stake might meet, to prevent abrasion. In very windy districts any long, straggling branches of autumn-planted Roses or fruit trees might be shortened, to reduce wind-sway.

The tying up of herbaceous plants is often done with so little judgment that what ought to be graceful masses of growth become so many ugly bundles. Michaelmas Daisies are dreadful sufferers in this respect. A stake is stuck in, a piece of cord or raphia is passed round the plant about halfway up, and then the whole mass of growth is pinched in and tied to the stake. There is as much beauty in a plant so treated as there is in a bunch of market Celery. With a little thought and care the shoots can be looped to the stake in such a way that the natural grace of the plant is retained. Bamboo stakes are cheap and durable, although they may not be quite strong enough for heavy plants, such as Dahlias.

Labels present a difficulty to many flower lovers, who are torn by the conflicting troubles of a bad memory and a hatred of disfiguring their borders. There are, of course, many manufactured labels on the market, as may be seen by the examples of them in large gardens and parks. If they are too expensive, and wooden labels have to be resorted to, it is wise to soak them in cold creosote before using them. They are not only preserved, but rendered less conspicuous by this process. A sufficient space for the name, or a number (with a corresponding number, and the name, in a reference book), may be painted white at the top, or a small strip of ivorine may be tacked on.