June 29, 1907 



HORTICULTURE 



841 



Ornamental Hedges 



\Vhat kind of a hedge shall I plant? This is a per- 

 plexing question that often confronts the siiburbanite. 

 In deciding it, too often the advice of the man-of-all- 

 work is taken and his knowledge of artistic landscape 

 gardening is far from being practical or in keeping with 

 the surroundings. The results from plantings of this 

 kind can be seen on all sides. In some localities a cer- 

 tain kind of hedge will be used exclusively, giving a set 

 and far from artistic appearance. Often a tall-growing 

 hedge will be perched on a terrace emphasizing the 

 already liigli position. 



Some -30 or 40 years ago the hedge was chiefly looked 

 upon as a means of dividing property, little attention 

 being given its attractiveness to surroundings. Rapidity 

 of growth and cost were the chief consideration. The 

 Osage orange, honey locust and buckthorn are examples 

 of this type of hedging. At this period more thought is 

 being given to variety in form and foliage, which is 

 resulting in some exceptionally pretty effects. One very 

 noticeable improvement has been made in that hedging 

 is supplanting the varied unsightly styles of iron and 

 picket fences, giving a more harmonious effect to the 

 property in general. 



EVEUOriEEN HEDGES 



The suggestions may be made as to the best forms of 

 the various kinds of plants available for hedging. They 

 can be for convenience divided into the following 

 classes: Evergreen, deciduous — tall and dwarf — flower- 

 ing and perennial hedges. There is no doubt that the 

 evergreen hedge is the most ■ desirable form. It gains 

 this distinction in that it is effective at all seasons. 

 Many liave been discouraged in using it as the results in 

 the past have not been wholly successful. A very good 

 lesson is to be learned from the cause of these failures. 

 After an evergreen hedge has been planted, presuming 

 that it has been given good soil and location, it demands 

 careful attention at regular periods. Annual mulch- 

 ings should be given in the fall and early summer a 

 judicious pruning and thinning out of the under-growth 

 of dead wood. How often the hedge is neglected after 

 the planting, causing the plants to lose their lower 

 branches and produce an unsightly appearance. 



Ranking as the best in evergreen hedges may be men- 

 tioned hemlock and Norway spruce and American arbor- 

 vitae. These trees are unquestionably the finest where a _ 

 tall broad hedge is desired. Never plant an evergreen 

 hedge where it will be subjected to continual shade. 

 This has often been a costly experiment. The Japanese 

 cedars such as Retinospora plumosa, plumosa aurea and 

 sqnarrosa produce decidedly pretty effects though re- 

 quiring very careful attention iu the point of pruning 

 and winter protection from heavy snows. 



BROAD-LEAVED EVERGEEKN AND DECIDUOUS HEDGES 



In localities where broad-leaved evergreens flourish, 

 quite a novel and pretty hedge can he had from the 

 Mahonia aquifolia or, as it is commonly known, Oregon 



Grape. Without question the California privet as the 

 best tall hedge plant is at the present day the most pop- 

 ular known to the jniblic. Though it has only been 

 largely used for the past 15 or 20 years it_has estab- 

 li.shed itself as the most popular plant for this purpose. 

 It is surprising how quickly it develops into a well- 

 formed bushy hedge. Many people inquire as to the 

 time to prune. The amount of growth made should 

 govern the time to prune. Constant pruning encourages 

 a thick, bushy hedge especially in the privet. The 

 buckthorn, honey locust and Osage orange are commonly 

 used as farm hedges and for this purpose are very good 

 but not at all suited for decorative effects on small 

 suburban places. 



Of all dwarf deciduous hedge plants the Japanese 

 barberry is by far the best. It thrives in almost any sit- 

 uation, doing well even in a partly shaded position, and 

 in growing keeps a close neat habit not making pruning 

 a necessity, except possibly once a season. The foliage 

 too is particularly pretty and in the fall takes on a 

 brilliant scarlet color. In the winter it is effective with 

 its many bright red berries. The purple variety of bar- 

 berry is another form of hedge that is well worth recom- 

 mending and retains its purple foliage until late in 

 autumn. 



FLOVS^EIUNG HEDGES 



To those wishing flowering hedges there is a wide 

 variety of kinds from which to choose. The most pop- 

 Tdar and w^ell-known kinds are, the Rose of Sharon or 

 althaea with its great variet)' of color in flowers, some 

 of recent introduction being especially attractive. Spir- 

 aea Van Houttei, with its beautifully pendulous habit 

 of growth and flowering. Burning Bush or Pyrus japon- 

 ica coming early in the spring with its well-known 

 crimson flowers. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora with 

 its grand fall display of flowers, Spiraea Anthony Wat- 

 erer wath its flat heads of flowers appearing all sum- 

 mer, and the dwarf Deutzia gracilis bearing its dainty, 

 white flowers in May and at all times making a neat, 

 compact hedge. All these are well-l'Cnown and do well in 

 ordinary locations. In addition to these there are sev- 

 eral well worth mentioning. Forsythia viridissima 

 brings a bright, cheerful show of flowers in early spring 

 and flourishes in almost any location. 



The lovers of roses can secure a very attractive effect 

 with Rosa rugosa, intermingling the red and white 

 flowered varieties. The foliage of these roses can be 

 depended upon for a pretty effect at all periods, being 

 immune from all insect attacks. The tamarisk is a most 

 satisfactory plant for seashore hedging, the salt air 

 having the effect of producing a strong growth. The 

 delicate sprays of pink flowers are very pretty in con- 

 trast with the fern-like foliage. 



Probably as well-known as any flowering plant for 

 hedging are the hawthorns, especially the English kinds. 

 The strong growth and attractive foliage coupled with 



