92 LAWN AND SHADE TREES. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 



In all grounds a well-appointed and arranged shrubbery is a 

 most effective and cheerful feature ; and in grounds of small 

 extent, such as the front gardens of suburban city lots, the use 

 of shrubs or trees of small growth is more to be commended 

 than those of a towering or large spreading habit. Just enough 

 of large trees should be planted to form necessary shade, and 

 then the effect and general impression of beauty be created by 

 the planting of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. One of the 

 most important things in planting shrubs is to attend particu- 

 larly to the shades of green in foliage ; another is, an under- 

 standing of the soils and situation in which they will grow and 

 develop themselves most luxuriantly. " Flowers continue but 

 for a short period in comparison with the duration of the leaves, 

 and therefore the more permanent picture should be executed 

 by judiciously contrasting the green. Even the effect of per- 

 spective may be considerably increased by the proper arrange- 

 ment of hues. Shrubs whose leaves are of a gray or bluish tint, 

 when seen over or between shrubs of a yellowish or bright 

 green, will seem thrown into the distance. Those, again, with 

 small or tremulous leaves, should' wave over or before those 

 with large, broad-fixed foliage. Where the situation will permit, 

 three or five lilacs may be grouped together in one place, or as 

 many laburnums in another, so as to give effect in various parts 

 by a mass of color." 



" A shrubbery," says Mr. Phillips, " should be planted as a 

 court or stage dress is ornamented, for general effect, and not 



