476 
THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 
Landscape Gardening—continued. 
species contrast well. Groups of five are well disposed 
when they are planted at the four angles of a trapezium, 
and at its centre. They may also be disposed in the 
shape of an irregular pentagon, but this arrangement 
has the disadvantage of presenting too circular an 
appearance. Groups of over nine or ten trees will only 
have a pleasant appearance if planted in several 
irregular sections, composed of different kinds of trees. 
Not only must trees be planted at suitable distances, 
but in order to present a good appearance the mingling 
of their branches with each other must be harmonious ; 
their profile and colours will only be appreciated if 
those points have been happily met. It sometimes 
happens that these differences are secured in trees of 
one variety, but of different sizes. It may also be the 
result of mixing together a group of species, well 
defined by their forms and the colour of their foliage. 
Trees of a pyramidal shape look well by the contrast 
they afford when grouped with trees with round crowns, 
such as when towering above a group of Elms. In forming 
groups, it may be accepted as‘a rule that whatever the 
number and the form of the trees, they must, as a whole, 
in order to produce a satisfactory effect, present that 
balance in all their parts which should also characterise 
the isolated specimen. A group, it will be understood, 
forms a whole, and must be treated as a single object. 
When Nature is left to provide for herself, the balance of 
In order to 
the different parts will seldom be missed. 
5 Oe NU 
£8) 
Landscape Gardening—continued. 
before how openings can be made, letting light into the 
boundaries of the Landscape. A park cannot be created 
under more advantageous conditions than when situated 
in a wood; here the most fascinating results can be 
obtained at once. As already said, the indigenous species 
of trees suffice to create yaried effects. The masses which 
will form the background of the picture, and are seen only 
from a distance, impart to the Landscape its dominating 
character, and it is less the beauty of the individnal 
subjects than that of the whole that must be taken into 
account, From a distance, trees of middling appearance 
produce good effects ; but close to the walks the par- 
ticular ornamental qualities of each tree have to be taken 
into consideration. 
In making openings, the outlines must present varied 
forms, but lines, or a succession of sweeps and serpentines 
that are sinuous to excess, must be avoided. Prominences 
marked by detached trees and more or less deep recesses, 
sometimes penetrating into the masses, then breaking 
sometimes only slightly, will create an infinite variety in 
lights and shadows. Walks through woods must be 
treated as openings, and their sides must present the 
same varied aspects. 
Deplorable effects are produced by crowded clumps of 
circular appearance, often of one species only, and yet 
such are often met with. It is advisable to leave sufficient 
space between each specimen, especially when Conifers are 
concerned, that they may develop under normal conditions, 
Fia. 510, POSITIONS OF TREES IN ISOLATED GROUPS. 
produce a better effect, planted groups of trees must 
remain in harmony with existing woods, of which they 
must appear to be only detached parts, and their number 
must be regulated as may be required. 
In shrubs we haye an unlimited variety, and in planting 
large groups they must never be formed of only one 
species. An exception may be made in planting small 
gardens where natural disposition is out of consideration. 
The number of shrubs that are found growing on the 
banks of rivers is rather small, but, nevertheless, charm- 
ing effects are obtained by forming groups of some of the 
following Willows: Saliz Caprea, S. purpurea, 8. rubra, 
and §. vitellina,. Amongst rocks a great variety of vegeta- 
tion is always met with, growing in most picturesque 
fashion. Dog Roses, Brambles, Barberries, Elders, and 
many more form very attractive contrasts. The plants, 
though many of them are not very decorative by them- 
selves present in such associations very picturesque 
effects. 
After having considered some of the most striking 
aspects of the plants in their natural state, we now come 
to their practical application for the decoration of parks 
and gardens. In the creation of the latter the Landscape- 
gardener has to deal with old and new plantations. In 
the first instance, the existing plantations haye to be 
preserved or modified in their outlines when necessary ; 
while, in the second, the surface of the ground may be 
deyoid of vegetation, and the plantations may therefore 
have to be created. In most cases, both conditions haye 
to be complied with at the same time. It has been stated 
and that their lower branches may be allowed to coyer the 
ground. Isolated groups must not present any formal dis- 
position. In fact, any tendency to a regular aspect must 
be avoided. Fig. 510 shows some groups of three or four. 
Of A, B, C, and D, the first (A) and the last (D) are bad, 
being too regular; while B and C are tolerable, though 
the trees are of a too regular aspect, being of the same 
streneth. In the forms HE, F, G, and H there is a more 
accentuated variety of aspect. The highest trees are 
those marked a, while those next in height are indicated 
by b; the remainder are of varied and bushy appear- 
ance. The differences in height and the forms of foliage 
produce a striking diversity. 
Groups of more than six trees must be considered as 
consisting of several groups, and not as composing only 
_ one. Groups of two trees may produce good effects, but, 
as has been said, one must be bushy, and the other must 
be slender and rise above the first. 
It is not advisable to group Conifers with other trees, 
except when planting large wooded masses, where a few 
specimens here and there, towering above the others, 
will break the sky-line. It is better to group them by 
themselves, and to leave their lower branches to develop 
naturally, and cover the ground. Conifers are very 
decorative, especially on a falling lawn, close to rocks. 
If some shrubs are planted at the foot of a big tree, 
they must not form a circular group, but their ont- 
lines must be as varied as possible. They must be 
all of one kind, the tree providing sufficient contrast. 
In grouping trees, the pyramidal forms are kept in the 
