EVERGREEN SHRUBS 



53 



Mixed but effective planting of Iris, Peonies. Rhododendrons and 



Juniperus stricta on top of terrace. Lombardy Poplars are seen in 



the background at rear of house 



lime. If you live in a limestone region, before you attempt to grow 

 them dig out the beds to a depth of three feet, filling in with good wood- 

 soil or leaf-mold. Provide good drainage by putting a layer of ashes at 

 bottom of the trench. The secret of success with Rhododendrons is 

 to keep the roots cool and moist. In Winter they should be deeply 

 mulched with leaves. In Summer they must have an abundance of 

 water. In some Rhododendron plantations a "syringe" of water plays 

 upon the beds continually. They like shade usually, but often by a 

 proper choice of plants, plantations may be successful even in the sun. 

 In Winter a framework of burlap gives the protection from the wind. 

 They should always be massed, for Rhododendrons, unless in beds by 

 themselves, are either apt to receive too much fussy care or none at aU. 

 The best early varieties are Roseum elegans, an old rose colored va- 

 riety and Everestianum a lavender, both flowering in late May. 

 Then in early June we have Album elegans, a large white; Mrs. C. S. 

 Sargent, a pink; Caractacus, a red; purpureum, a purple; and Lady 

 Grey Egerton, a silvery gray lavender. 



There are a number of Azaleas which are most brilliant, the best 

 being Azalea pontica and A. mollis, in the various colors, and Azalea 

 amoena, which is a superb claret pink. 



