GARDENS NEAR THE SEA 



and are therefore useful to mark particular points 

 on the lawn or to accentuate lines within the garden. 

 Another of their uses is to form ornamental hedges 

 (page 76). 



The true shrubs of the late summer, however, 

 and of the autumn, are the hydrangeas. So popular, 

 indeed, have they become in this country that the 

 humblest doorway is apt to show at least one of their 

 kind. The variety paniculata, the original Japanese 

 form, is most often seen, and holds its great panicles 

 of flowers as if proud of their size and beauty. For 

 broad, generous effects at seashore places, these shrubs 

 are particularly well adapted. They have great hardi- 

 ness and are apparently indifferent to the nearness of 

 the sea. 



Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, the most notice- 

 able of the autumn shrubs, is an alluring sight when 

 planted en masse and when, after several years of 

 uninterrupted growth, it has attained its maximum 

 proportions. 



H . radiata is serviceable in places where foliage 

 effects are desired, as the undersides of its leaves are 

 a silky, silvery white. 



Several varieties of hydrangeas are in favor which 

 produce bright, glossy foliage and flat heads of flowers 

 composed of sterile ones around the edges while those 

 that are fertile are within the centers. Owing to 

 the insignificance of these blooms in comparison with 

 those of the varieties bearing panicles of flowers, it is 

 inexplicable to me that they should be chosen. 



H. paniculata grandiflora seems to combine all the 



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