

Shrubs for Hedges 



The real beauty of the Laurustinus consists in its 

 flowers, which, although white, are very freely borne, 

 and in association with the reddish tint of the unopened 

 buds have a very pleasing effect. The worst of a 

 hedge is that it has to be kept trimmed, and in the con- 

 tracted area we are considering this is more than ever 

 essential. The result of trimming Laurustinus is to 

 prevent it forming its flower buds, and this destroys its 

 real value as a shrub. If the hedge has to be green 

 there are other shrubs more suitable. The English 

 yew, common green or Hands worth box can be used 

 with advantage. In seaside towns Euonymus japonicus 

 can be used with excellent effect, and has both its gold 

 and green varieties. It is not wise to use it far inland, 

 or in the north, however, as it suffers during severe 

 winters. 



There is another fault that is common in such gar- 



> dens as this, and is exhibited in the plan. The small 

 square beds on either side of the path approaching the 



{ front door are good in theory but bad in practice. 

 They are too small (2 feet square) for anything that 

 would add beauty to the garden to succeed in them. 

 A simple line of border on either side of the path would 

 be much better. The grass plats and surrounding 

 border could be quite attractive. Grass is highly 

 desirable in such places. There are, however, some- 

 times difficulties in the way of getting it to grow quite 

 successfully. Had this been the north end of the 

 house instead of the west it would have been so here. 

 In that case the whole front might be paved or, if 

 the house is of brick, laid down with bricks on edge, 

 relieved by a few shrubs in tubs standing about. Such 



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