86 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



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appearance. Jersey Beauty, Ruby Queen, Evergreen Gem, and Gar- 

 denia are all worthy sorts, and most luxuriant growers. 



Pegging-down Roses. This is a first-rate method of growing the 

 vigorous Roses. Plant them from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet apart ; prune 

 hard the first year, then the following year tie down the long growths 

 parallel to the ground. Flowers will appear along the shoots. Later 

 on young growths start up from the base, and, if allowed to grow upright, 

 will bloom about a month later than the pegged-down shoots. When 

 the long shoots appear worn out, cut them clean away, and peg down 

 young ones instead ; indeed, it is advisable to do this whenever possible 

 provided they are well ripened. 



Beds of Roses so treated make a fine feature on a lawn, such kinds 

 as W. A. Richardson, Frau Karl Druschki, Gustave Regis, and others, 

 blooming most profusely, as will also strong-growing hybrid perpetuals 

 and Bourbons. 



Roses for Hedges. In small gardens it is better to plant hedges, 

 where required, of some good shrub that will serve as a dividing line, 

 and give an abundance of flowers too. For this purpose nothing can be 

 better than the Rose. Given good soil, deeply dug, with a good dress- 

 ing of manure when preparing, and also yearly afterwards, vigorous 

 hedges may be produced. Plant the bushes from 2 to 4 feet apart, 

 according to whether a thick or thin hedge is wanted. Where a wall 

 of Roses, rising some 8 feet to 10 feet, is preferred, rambling Roses 

 would be best. Secure in the ground at intervals of 6 feet or 8 feet 

 some good, stout oak posts. Stretch some wire in between them, to 

 which fasten the Roses. By bending them out palmate shape a pretty 

 effect is created. 



It is not possible to get a safe shelter with the help of only Roses, 

 but certainly they may be used as a screen. Where the position is cold 

 and exposed, an outer belt of Austrian or Corsican Pines, or some other 

 good tree, would be necessary. A free growth, of course, is essential. 



Preparation of the Soil is important. Most soils are improved by 

 draining. We know that the wild Roses grow vigorously in country 

 hedgerows with dykes on either side. If the staple soil is a heavy clay, 

 before planting a hedge put down some drain-pipes about 2 feet 6 inches 

 deep. If a clayey loam, then about 3 feet. The ground should be 

 trenched two spits deep for the heavy soils, and bastard trenched for 

 those of a lighter nature. Good, well-decayed farmyard manure, to- 

 gether with burnt garden refuse and bone-meal, all favour a vigorous 

 growth in the hedge. Rather than make the soil sour by too much 

 raw manure, give liquid manure liberally, not only in summer, when 

 growth is active, but also during winter, when usually this valuable 

 liquid runs to waste. 



Most of the kinds recommended will in time support themselves ; 

 but if a tall hedge be desired, set some oak posts in the ground at intervals 

 of from 6 feet to 8 feet to support two or three lengths of wires. Gal- 

 vanised wire must be painted. Give the plants plenty of space to extend 

 laterally, so as to secure robust base-growth. 



