EXPERIMENTS WITH HEDGES 



19 



Salix vitelliiKi. GoLDEx Willow. When full iJirown this species makes a 

 moderate tree, l)ut it can l)e cut hack to any extent desired. In the present 

 experiment it has been cut back to the ground early eacii sprinp-. From this 

 point it throws up a thick <irowth of slender shoots to a heijiht of (i-8 feet. 

 These bear silvery green foliage and present a sunny, ])leasing ajtiiearance 

 throughout the summer. The best effect, however, is tiiat shown by their 

 glowing yellow shoots during the winter, brightening toward spring. As a 

 sheared hedge this species is highly impracticable; but as an informal border, 

 cut back annually as described, it has real merits. 



Thuuberg Spirea cannot be successfully sheared but makes a pleasing boundary 



planting 



Spiraea thuuhcrijl. Tiil-xiseug Spirea. A Japanese shrub very jiojiular in 

 general ornamental planting. Growth slender and willowy; foliage fine, deli- 

 cate and attractive; flowers small, white, abundant. This species has done 

 well in the hedge plantation but has never submitted gracefully to any shear- 

 ing. If it is cut back to the ground everv year, or every other year, it makes 

 a soft and pretty garden border. Treated as here recommended it makes a 

 border api)roximately 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet broad. Its fine texture, grace- 

 ful habit of growth, delicate flowers, and general refinement suggest its use 

 near dv\-ellings and in other intimate surroundings. 



Symphoricarpos racemosus, Commox Sxowberry. A popular native shrub, 

 its snow-white fruits persisting into the winter and being much admired. The 

 habit of growth is slender and arcuate and not adapted to barrier hedges 

 where shearing is required. Nevertheless moderate jjruning will not injure 

 the plants. With light shearing or none (annual removal of old wood from 

 the bottom) this makes a desirable garden border. 



Thuja occidentalis, American Arborvitae. A very hardy and well-known 

 native evergreen tree, generally found in swampy lands or lake shores. It has 

 long been known as a hedge plant of great value. The first planting in these 



