SHRUBS AND SHRUBBERIES 145 



broad shining leaves, and laden in spring with up- 

 right spikes of creamy almond-scented flowers. 

 The same remark applies to the Portugal laurel, 

 which is finer still in general contour; and the 

 growth of years will transform even rhododendrons, 

 which may be called typical shrubs, into fair- 

 sized trees. 



So far from the shrubbery being uninteresting, 

 it should, if well planned, be one of the most de- 

 lightful parts of the pleasure grounds. Here is the 

 place, so difficult to find elsewhere in a garden, 

 where both evergreen and deciduous flowering 

 trees, but neither class exclusively, can be used to 

 the greatest advantage, not dotted in straight lines, 

 but grouped at intervals, or planted singly, as the 

 case may require, in relation to other trees and 

 shrubs that are to bear them company. 



There is little doubt that two factors have mainly 

 contributed to make shrubberies as uninteresting 

 as they too often are first, poverty of choice in 

 planting material, causing monotonous reiteration 

 instead of infinite variety ; secondly, overcrowding 

 of the available space. At the root of all, however, 

 lies lack of knowledge and intelligence on the part 

 of the owner or designer. The usual plan when 

 a shrubbery, extensive or otherwise, is in con- 

 templation or in course of formation, is to write 

 or send to a nurseryman, local if possible, giving 

 approximate dimensions and an order, leaving the 

 choice of shrubs entirely in the hands of the ven- 

 dor, who is supposed to understand his business. 

 So he does, probably ; but no one can blame a 

 dealer for using the opportunity thus put in his 



