FLOWER-GARDENING. 43 



conceal a rough fence, or other unsightly object, they require 

 different modes of training; some attach themselves naturally, 

 as the Ivy, and merely require to be occasionally guided, so as 

 to cause a regular distribution of their shoots ; others must be 

 treated like fruit-trees, trained thinly, if blossoms are the object, 

 and rather thick, if the intention be to show the foliage to the 

 greatest possible advantage. 



Ornamental shrubs grow from one foot to twelve or more 

 feet in height; and where such are planted for ornament, the 

 height of each plant, when full grown, should be considered, 

 and also the mode of growth, that every one may be so planted 

 as to show to advantage, observing that the tall-growing kinds 

 should be planted in the back part of the borders, and those 

 of low growth in front ; but if they are required to be planted 

 in clumps, they should be so arranged as to rise gradually from 

 the sides to the middle, and be afterwards neatly trimmed. 



Shrubs require an annual pruning, at which time cut out all 

 irregular and superfluous branches, and head down such as 

 require it, forming them into handsome bushes. Apply stakes 

 to such as need support, and see that the low-growing ones do 

 not injure each other, or interfere with other dwarfish plants 

 near them. 



Many kinds of shrubs may be raised from seed sown early in 

 the spring, but are more commonly propagated by suckers, 

 layers, or cuttings. Like other plants, they require a good 

 soil, which should be manured every two or three years, and 

 some of the tender kinds should have some protection in 

 winter. 



The following list contains the most of those usually planted 

 in gardens and on lawns. These will afford a succession of 

 flowers from spring until autumn, and may be obtained at the 

 nurseries at moderate prices. 



