The Winning Designs 



autumn effect that is unequalled by any shrub I know, 

 and than which I desire nothing better, give me the 

 now common B. Thunbergii. It is beautiful in spring, 

 and without a rival in the autumn glow of crimson and 

 orange, scarlet and gold, cream, ruby, and pink. It 

 is one of those shrubs that irresistibly remind one of 

 a glorious sunset. It is not new, or scarce, or expen- 

 sive, or even difficult to grow anywhere, but it is good. 



Then, if I were planting such a border for myself, 

 I should want some Cotoneasters for their winter berry, 

 Cistus for their summer flower, and Cornus that I could 

 cut down to the ground each spring that I might enjoy 

 the glow of their crimson bark all the following winter. 

 I should want Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles for its 

 lavender-blue, Marie Simon for its pink, and Indigo 

 for its intensely deep blue flowers. Some Brooms, 

 too, I would put in Cytisus praecox certainly, and 

 perhaps if I had room C. nigricans Carlieri, because it 

 flowers in the late summer and autumn. The front 

 edges should be carpeted with Ericas that would serve 

 effectually to separate the gravel from the borders. 

 The pink winter flowering heather, Erica carnea, 

 should be one of them, and several of the Erica vul- 

 garis forms, particularly cuprea and aurea, which are 

 beautiful all the year round. I should also want some 

 of the dwarf " Mock Orange," or Syringas Fantasie 

 with its soft blush tint, and Rosace for its glorious 

 white rose-like flowers. 



These are only a few, but there are many others if 

 one had room for them, and if they were properly used 

 the approach to the front door would never be with- 

 out interest ; and if my visitors remarked on the lack 



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