SCOTTISH GAKDENS IN GENEEAL 



for its charm, so is it of the utmost moment that 

 suitable kinds of trees should be chosen to decorate 

 it. Assuming that the environment of the garden 

 proper is more or less woodland in character, 1 the 

 gardener's concern will be to choose from the vast 

 variety offered by modern nurserymen, In spacious 

 grounds, room will not be grudged to an ancient 

 oak or two, or a group of beeches or limes. But 

 in a garden of modest dimensions the presence of 

 these and other trees with far-reaching, hungry 

 roots will impoverish the borders and cause the 

 loss of many a precious thing. Luckily we have 

 among the many coniferous trees introduced to this 

 country during last century some which content 

 themselves with a very moderate root-run. The 

 columnar habit of such evergreens as the Lawson 

 cypress, the incense cypress (Libocedrus decurrens) 

 and the pencil cedar (Juniperus mrginianus) are of 

 priceless effect among flowerbeds, providing those 

 vertical lines which, as given by the Italian cypress, 

 impart such a charming character to Mediterranean 

 scenery. But it is sad to see how this effect has 

 been marred or missed owing to the pernicious 

 practice of growing such conifers as these from 

 cuttings. Young plants, trim and verdant, come 



1 Although this is very desirable for providing shelter it is not indispensable for 

 fine effect. In the very heart of the treeless waste surrounding Kinbrace railway 

 station in Sutherland, stands the shooting lodge of Badanloch. Never have I seen 

 greater profusion of brilliant perennials than surprised me when I visited this place 

 during the wet and cheerless summer of 1907. The garden was on a slope, open to all 

 the winds of heaven, the soil being chiefly grit and peat. 



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