THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



Feb. The Ivy-leaved section is as useful for autumn bloom- 



^"^4 ing as the Zonal is for winter, and it may also be increased 

 by cuttings inserted now. In both cases soil containing 

 a great deal of sand should be used. 



Among the Garden Shrubs. — It is often convenient to 

 dig shrubberies at this time of year, because there is no 

 urgent current work, and it is a good time, too, provided 

 that the soil is not snow-bound, nor so wet as to clog the 

 tools. Of course there are shrubberies and shrubberies. 

 There are shrubberies in the open and shrubberies under 

 trees. The gardener is not likely to do much digging 

 among the latter, because the soil is too full of large 

 roots. The fact that certain shrubs, notably Aucubas, 

 thrive under trees (some of the largest, handsomest, and 

 best berried Aucubas which I know of are growing 

 under large evergreen trees) might lead one to suppose 

 that shrubbery-digging is not advantageous. I think it 

 is, provided it is done by sensible workmen using a fork. 

 A foolish person armed with a spade might easily do 

 more harm than good. 



Shrubs differ as greatly in their root systems as in 

 their branches. Aucubas make a great, close mass of 

 thick, fleshy roots. So does the Box. The Cypresses 

 and Pines (trees really, but commonly used as shrubs) 

 have more spreading and fibrous roots. Those shrubs 

 which have the thickest mat of fibres move best, and can 

 be planted at any time ; but February and March suit 

 the majority. While evergreen shrubs are needed for 

 quick screens, deciduous kinds should be worked in 

 among them, partly for the effect of the delightful 

 feathery film of greenery which they fling out in spring, 

 and partly for the flowers which follow. The Spiraeas 

 are particularly good from the former point of view, and 

 ought to be made much use of. The Mock Oranges 

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