FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 75 



which stiffly growing hollies, dusty yews, and straggling 

 laurels monopolise nearly all the space, are usually lacking 

 in interest just when they should be full of charm. If 

 some of the old shrubberies rilled with worn out, decay- 

 ing evergreens could be rooted up, letting in the air 

 and sunshine, how much better would it be. Their 

 place might be taken by a varied collection of graceful, 

 deciduous trees and shrubs, which during their flowering 

 period would afford constant interest and pleasure. Of 

 course a garden from which evergreens were entirely 

 banished, would be bare and cheerless to a degree during 

 the winter months. Besides, the more tender plants 

 would undoubtedly suffer, owing to the sudden inlet of 

 cold winds, from which they had previously been pro- 

 tected. As shelter trees and wind breaks, evergreens 

 are of the utmost utility, and their value in this direction 

 cannot be over-estimated. Judiciously planted and used 

 in moderation they are always pleasing, it is only by 

 constant repetition, and the formation of dense, gloomy 

 thickets, that the designer wearies us by their presence. 

 Granted, however, that evergreens have a certain 

 value, there is no reason why we should not aim at 

 greater variety than is at present the case. In addition 

 to the ever present laurels, there are whole families of 

 Rhododendrons, Barberries, Olearia, Kalmia, certain of 

 the Heaths, Daphne in sheltered situations, Cotoneaster, 

 and many others. These are all beautiful at their flower- 

 ing period, and at other times, by their diversity of form 

 and habit, will make a welcome change to the existing 

 conditions. I have felt it desirable to draw attention to 

 the need for further recognition of the flowering shrubs, 

 both deciduous and evergreen ; they present so much 

 variety and charm, and are, moreover, adapted to such a 

 variety of situations, that it seems unreasonable to exclude 

 them from our gardens. Another point in their favour 

 is the supply of decorative bloom which is obtainable 



