HEDGES AND HEDGE PLANTING 143 



Any hedge confined within a limited area needs constant at- 

 tention the same as a shrub border or anything else we plant. It 

 is different with one used as a windbreak, but such are the only 

 exceptions. As far as the florist is concerned, a hedge, in order to 

 look attractive, has to be taken care of to the extent of keeping the 

 plants in a healthy state and properly pruned to produce the best 

 effect. 



SUITABLE PLANTS FOR HEDGES 



I believe the Amoor River Privet (Ligustrum amurense) is one 

 of the most desirable of hedge plants for ordinary purposes. In 

 many localities it has replaced almost entirely the California Privet 

 wherever the latter isn't quite hardy. Not only does this Privet 

 make an ideal hedge plant, but it can be pruned or clipped into 

 almost any desired shape or form, and planted at a moderate cost. 



For the best effect a double row should be planted, allowing 

 about 15 in. between the plants; if used near a walk don't plant 

 closer to it than 3 ft. to allow for spreading. 



Japanese Barberry (Berberis Thunbergii) is used for hedge plant- 

 ing perhaps even more than the Privets. It can be clipped so as to 

 obtain a formal effect, but shows up at its best when pruned just 

 once in Spring, and after that allowed to develop its graceful branches 

 usually covered with berries which hang on all Winter, and at least 

 long after the brown and red colored foliage has disappeared. The 

 only person I ever found objecting to a Barberry hedge was the man 

 in charge of one who had to clean it, in Spring, of the leaves gathered 

 there during the Winter months. Such a hedge will, in time, grow 

 to a height of 6 ft. and make as wide a spread; yet for years it can, 

 with proper pruning, be confined to dimensions of 2 ft. or so each 

 way. 



Rugosa Roses make a showy hedge and so will Spiraea Van- 

 houttei, Kerria, Bush Honeysuckle and the Red-twigged Dogwood, 

 but none of these adapts itself where a formal affair is desired. 

 In evergreens we have Boxwood where this plant is hardy; Rho- 

 dodendrons also make grand hedges but are out of the question 

 with most of us. In conifers the Arborvitae heads the list, remain- 

 ing in good shape longer than Spruce or Cedar. For bordering a 

 formal garden or lining out the walks, the nearest to Boxwood 

 and, by the way, a good substitute for it, is the new Box Barberry 

 or dwarf form of Berberis Thunbergii. 



Whenever space permits and there is no limit set as to height, 

 the Bush Honeysuckle, the Lilac and the Mock Orange are all 

 desirable. If four feet of space can be given between the plants, 

 so much better will be the final results. By planting too close 

 you may obtain an immediate effect but not a lasting one; it will, 

 before long, mean bare stems below. The same holds good with 



