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HARDY SHRUBS. 



It would not, perhaps, be too much to affirm that of all classes of ornamental plants, 

 the most generally useful are the Hardy Shrubs. They constitute, in fact, an indis- 

 pensable feature in all well-arranged grounds ; for while, on the one hand, it would 

 be easy to conceive of a garden composed entirely of shrubs, which should 

 scarcely yield in interest to those of a more mingled character, it is hardly possible 

 to imagine an effective arrangement in which shrubs should be completely 

 excluded. 



From their larger size, they impart a boldness to the ensemble, for the absence of 

 which the gaudiest colours will scarcely compensate ; and form, also to the smaller 

 gems of the garden a ' setting,' which greatly enhances their charms. 



A considerable number, too, both of evergreen and deciduous shrubs, produce 

 flowers of so much beauty and interest, as to make them conspicuous objects even at 

 those seasons, when these fragile creations are scattered around us with a lavish 

 hand ; and in the dreary winter months, 



' "When the winds whistle, and the snows descend,' 

 the garden may be said to owe its chief attractions to the cheerful evergreens which 

 glisten on, as if to keep alive the interest of their possessor until the return of spring. 



Another, and by no means the least recommendation of this class of plants, is the 

 very slight amount of trouble they entail ; beyond a little care in planting, and an 

 occasional pruning, they require no attention, each returning season, witnessing a 

 more copious display of blossoms than its predecessor. 



Few shrubberies, however, present that variety which is one of the greatest 

 charms of gardening; they are too commonly, either occupied by old-fashioned 

 shrubs of little interest, or the number of each kind is too large to allow of that 

 diversity so easily attainable. In gardens of limited extent, we certainly think 

 that, as a general rule, only one plant of each species should be permitted, 

 which would allow of the introduction of a considerable number of interesting 

 BUbjects. 



Our limited space forbids our giving a complete list of hardy shrubs, which would 

 be of little use, if unaccompanied by note or comment ; and we shall therefore 

 content ourselves with making a selection of the best of each class, both of ever- 

 green and deciduous shrubs, which will, we hope, be of some service to such of our 

 readers as may be desirous of extending their acquaintance with this valuable 

 section of ornamental plants. 



