CHAP. II VILLA GAEDENING 17 



a rule, be planted in a small state, as when large they do not 

 transplant well. Buxus (Box Tree), B. balearica, B. japonica, B, 

 sempervirens, B. s. argenteus, B. s. Handsworthiana, B. suffruti- 

 cosa, B. s. margiuata anrea. When, as in some cases, a large 

 number of Boxes are planted, it is better to have a number of 

 varieties than to have so many dui^licates as are commonly met 

 with, even in well-kept places. Cerasus lusitanica (Portugal 

 Laurel), C. Laurocerasus (common Laurel), C. colchica, and C. 

 caucasica are excellent nurses, and useful for blinds and clothing 

 banks, or forming undergrowth beneath trees where the shade is 

 not too dense. CoUetia horrida, Cotoneaster microphylla, Crataegus 

 Pyracantha, Daphne Cneorum, and Elseagnus reflexa variegata. 

 Euonymus japonicus, E. j. aureo-variegatus, E. j. ovatus aureo- 

 variegatus, and E. radicans variegatus, are interesting low-growing 

 Japanese shrubs, but several species are of doubtful hardiness. 



Holly (Ilex) : Ilex aquifolium (common), I. altaclarensis, I. 

 angustifolium, I. flavum, I. fremina, I. Hodginsi, I. nigi-escens, I. 

 Shepherdi, I. latifolium, I. ferox foliis argenteis (Silver Hedgehog), 

 I. ferox foliis aurea (Golden Hedgehog), I. Golden Queen, I. Silver 

 Queen, I. Handsworthiana, and Bronze-leaved. Where the soil is suit- 

 able there is no class of plants capable of being used so effectively in 

 villa or other gardens as a collection of Hollies, and with regard to 

 Hollies, the remark I made of the Box applies with still greater 

 force. I know places where there are hundreds of Hollies, and yet 

 all, or nearly all, are the common green variety ; and this, when so 

 much variety can be had, is, I think, a great mistake. Laurus 

 nobilis (Sweet Bay), Ligustrum (Privet) japonicum, L. j. aureum 

 variegatum, L. j. ovalifolium, L. j. o. elegantissimum, L. j. pendu- 

 lum aureum. The Japanese Privets are very ornamental, fast- 

 growing shrubs. Magnolia grandiflora (Exmouth variety) for warm, 

 sheltered places, and on south or west walls. The Laurustines 

 are all pretty, and are especially desirable, as they flower in winter 

 and spring. They often suff"er during severe winters north of 

 London. Osmanthus myrtifolius, 0. ilicifolius, 0. argenteo-varie- 

 gatus, 0. aureo-variegatus, Phillyrea angustifolia, P. buxifolia, 

 Quercus Ilex (evergreen Oak), Ptaphiolepis japonica (Indian Haw- 

 thorn), Hippophae rhamnoides (Buckthorn), Pernettya angusti- 

 foHa, Skimmia japonica, S. j. oblata — useful for winter effect 

 when in fruit — Lavender, Rosemary, and Southernwood produce 

 striking ettects when disposed in large patches or groups on 

 banks or in front of shrubberies ; Spartium junceum, Ulex 

 europcea fl. pi. (double Gorse), Vinca major, V. m. elegantissima, 

 V. minor, V. m. aureo-variegata. The Periwinkles or Vincas are 

 especially adapted for dry banks or under trees, where little else 



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