CONIFERS 



CONIFEROUS trees and shrubs include many kinds that 

 possess much beauty ; and when arranged with regard to 

 their fitness for the positions assigned them they add 

 much to the attractions of the pleasure grounds. Not- 

 withstanding their distinctive characters and handsome 

 appearance they must be planted sparingly in gardens of 

 limited dimensions. They are for the most part formal 

 in growth, many are sombre in colouring and a consider- 

 able proportion require a comparatively large space for 

 their full development. Conifers are also peculiar in 

 their requirements and will not thrive where the soil or 

 atmosphere is exceptionally dry, or where the soil is 

 cold and wet. When the conditions are not favourable 

 to their growth they become unhealthy and thin, and 

 when in that state they present a most unsatisfactory 

 appearance. No conifers are able to withstand the dele- 

 terious effects of a smoke contaminated (atmosphere and 

 therefore they are quite unsuited for planting in town 

 gardens or in gardens of the suburbs of large towns. 



Generally speaking the larger growing kinds should 

 be planted singly and in positions where they will have 

 space for the development of their distinctive character- 

 istics. Those of moderate growth may be planted 

 singly or in groups, but in the latter they should be 

 arranged far enough apart in each group to allow them 

 to attain a considerable size before becoming over- 

 crowded. Greater interest will be given to the groups 

 when they are formed with several species and varieties 



closely allied to each other and agreeing more in their 



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