BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS 23 



only objections to the Magnolia plantings on the lawn are the 

 constant falling of the leaves which makes it impossible to keep 

 the lawn neat under them, and the deep shade which renders it 

 very hard to secure a close and firm growth of grass. 



Of the smaller shrubs for mass and individual growth none is 

 sweeter than Oka fragrans^ the Tea Olive, which is considered by 

 many the most fragrant shrub we have. The dainty clusters of 

 creamy white blossoms, while in themselves insignificant, begin 

 to show in November and for six months the garden is the sweeter 

 for their presence. They are as delightful indoors as they are 

 outside and the shrub is particularly desirable on account of its 

 comparatively rapid growth. 



Among the broad-leaved evergreens that bloom in the Autumn 

 are the heavenly sweet Oleasters, Elaeagnus macrophylla and the 

 bronze-leaved Elaeagnus reflexa. If only for their fragrance they 

 should be found in every garden. The fruit which comes in March 

 is decorative and highly prized for its acidity by the Chinese, 

 who use it for jellies and jams. These, with Eriobotrya japonica^ 

 the Japanese Loquat, bloom in October, and perfume the air for 

 a wide circumference with their delicious odors. The Assam 

 Tea Plant, Thea Bohea, blossoms a little later and is truly a trop- 

 ical shrub. This plant is not as well known as it should be, for 

 it is really a beautiful plant at all times and in the blooming season 

 most attractive. The petals are pearly white, either four or five 

 in number, and much like the Orange blossoms in texture but 

 larger in size and with masses of yellow anthers in the center. 

 The buds resemble those of the Oranges. The flowers, closely 

 studded along the stems among the deep green leaves, make a 

 very striking Midwinter garden picture. They bloom from 

 November until February. About twenty miles from Charleston 

 these Teas are grown for commercial use and are a successful 

 experiment in foreign plant introduction. From this point and 

 south along the Gulf Coast they are perfectly hardy. This is 

 almost a Christmas flower. 



Other Christmas greens that should be planted are the Hollies, 

 which should always be closely associated in groups that include 

 both the pistillate and staminate kinds. The familiar American 



