214 GARDEN DESIGN 



the only shrubs which are really catered for in a 

 garden design, and the result is that people have 

 received the impression that they are far more fas- 

 tidious than is the case. There is no reason why 

 handsome lawn beds of any shrubs should not be 

 formed with deliberate purpose. Lilacs, spiraeas, 

 berberis, weigelias, all are worthy of better treat- 

 ment than the mixed shrubbery, and bold groups 

 of shrubs are most useful as the design passes 

 from architectural treatment near the house to 

 the more natural lines on the outskirts. The 

 drawing on page 213 of the wilderness at Hamp- 

 ton Court is an interesting example of the transition 

 stage between the formal and landscape styles. 

 It was laid out by London and Wise in the eigh- 

 teenth century, and shows an appreciation of the 

 value of shrubs in a garden scheme. 



Groups should be restricted in variety. The finest 

 effects can be had by putting two of the same 

 species together, as for example weigelias van 

 Houtteii, and Mont Blanc, or rosea variegata. Or 

 two different kinds may be together, one for an 

 early bloom, and one for late, as kerria japonica 

 and rhus cotinus. In making out such beds 

 the mixed shrubbery muddle must be avoided, 

 each bed having a distinct character. That is 

 another advantage the rhododendron has gained 

 in being specially catered for : it is not forced to 

 fight with a number of other shrubs of varying 

 habits. A stray rhododendron or azalea in a 



