Choosing the Site 



we can hardly expect success equal to that which would 

 obtain were the exposure to the south, whilst a slope from 

 the south, or to the south, though less noticeable, does 

 make a difference to the growth in that each plant casts 

 a longer shadow, and each receives the rays of the sun 

 more obliquely when the slope is to the north. The best 

 position that could be obtained for gardening in general 

 is a gentle slope towards the south, with sufficient shelter, 

 especially from the north and the east. As, however, this 

 ideal position is not often easily procured, it is evident that 

 the nearest approach to it should be sought for. The 

 amount of shelter may be said to practically make the spot, 

 and as there are few instances where Nature is so kind 

 as to leave a hill to keep off the adverse winds, or a wood 

 to effectively break them, it often becomes a necessity for 

 us to make our own shelter. In this respect likewise we 

 have to consider the size of the place, for it would obviously 

 be unwise to plant tall trees such as larches or poplars 

 round a small garden, and thus take away not only the 

 adverse winds, but likewise a considerable amount of the 

 best morning sunshine. In a small garden a good hedge 

 will often keep off sufficient of the wind, and the shadow 

 cast will not be too great. A privet hedge is about the 

 quickest in growth, but for general purposes it is not the 

 best. What may probably be considered the best for 

 appearances, usefulness, and rarity, is the common holly; 

 but it is likewise very slow in growth. Where the garden 

 is large and some higher shelter is required, larch, poplar, 

 and spruce will be found useful if planted some distance 

 off, so that their shadow will not interfere with the growth 

 of other subjects. It will, of course, be generally admitted 

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