932 



Gardening for Amateurs 



Hardy Heaths fringing a shrubbery border. 



Hardy Heaths 



A\RT from the numerous kinds of 

 Heath which are found wild on 

 commons and hillsides in various 

 parts of the country, there are many 

 others which may be obtained for planting 

 in gardens. These are all found in Europe, 

 one or two being natives of the Alpine 

 regions and the others of countries which 

 border the Mediterranean. Several of the 

 kinds from the latter region are known 

 as Tree Heaths, not that they assume 

 tree-like proportions, but they form large 

 upright bushes sometimes 18 or 20 feet 

 high, with thick, woody stems, whereas 

 others are of more or less scandent habit. 

 The kinds from the Mediterranean region 

 are more tender than those from other 

 districts, and are unsuitable for planting 



where considerable frost is experienced, but 

 they thrive well in the south of England 

 and in many parts of the Midlands. 



There are many uses to which Heaths 

 may be put. They are suitable for groups in 

 the front of a shrubbery, for beds on a lawn, 

 for planting among groups of Rhododen- 

 drons, or for forming a distinct feature in 

 the wilder parts of the garden. Perhaps 

 they are seen to greatest advantage under 

 the latter condition. They can then be- 

 planted in large masses, the tall and low- 

 growing kinds being so placed as to relieve 

 any appearance of formality. An ideal 

 position for Heaths is that provided by 

 undulating ground beneath old Pine Trees, 

 for the rugged trunks of these trees blend 

 well with the undergrowth. 



