36 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR 



Preparation for planting a hedge should be even more care- 

 fully made than in making a lawn or planting trees and shrubs. 

 The soil should be more thoroughly enriched and the digging 

 should be deeper because greater demands are to be made on it 

 by the close and permanent planting. 



The distance at which hedge plants should be set depends 

 entirely upon the varieties used. As close growth from the 

 ground is the object to be attained it is necessary to put the plants 

 closer than they will be required at full growth and, if necessary, 

 later to cut out the surplus and intermediate growth which crowds 

 too much. The best form for a hedge is the conical or triangular, 

 because the tendency in this form of cutting is to encourage growth 

 from all points along the sides, while the perpendicular pruning 

 produces growth only at the top and is likely to develop a thin- 

 ness at the ground where it should be thickest. 



For formal planting the Amoor and California Privets are 

 unexcelled. The Amoor, Ligustrum amurense^ is unquestionably 

 the most desirable hedge plant grown in this section for the home 

 grounds. It is of comparatively rapid growth and retains its 

 bright colored foliage the entire year. It should be closely cut 

 back when put out, should be planted not more than one foot 

 apart, and if kept closely trimmed, in two years makes not 

 only an effective but highly ornamental division line or screen. 

 Uncut, the Amoor Privet reaches a height of twenty feet and 

 forms a background of indescribable loveliness when it flowers 

 in April and May. 



Ligustrum ovalifolium, the California Privet, retains some of 

 its foliage in Winter, is a darker color and is more satisfactory 

 for the higher latitudes. It is used much more in the North and 

 West than in the South. 



For a low-growing hedge, where strength as well as beauty is 

 desirable, Thunberg's Barberry, Berberis Thunbergii, is most 

 effective. Its leaves of bright green throughout Summer, change 

 to a rich red in Autumn and the bright red berries which are 

 borne in profusion are wonderfully attractive all Winter and 

 contrast with the delicate green of the foliage in Spring. This 

 most beautiful shrub is one of our importations from Japan. It 



