BROAD-LEAVED SHRUBS 



to drive the green from their clumps of long, lance- 

 shaped leaves. 



Yucca filamentosa, christened by the Indians, 

 is the one generally known, although the varie- 

 ties pendulifolia and floriosa recurva are much 

 planted. 



In several seaside gardens, I have noticed yuccas 

 stretching to extraordinary proportions. They like a 

 well-drained soil, somewhat sandy, and require full 

 exposure to the sun, and protection from rough winds 

 likely to tear their foliage. They should not be cramped 

 for room, since such a condition would prevent their 

 characteristic beauty from appearing. Rather they 

 are seen to advantage in bold groups near plants with 

 green foliage that offset, instead of detract from, their 

 personalities. In garden borders they are charming 

 when not planted in a straight line, but allowed to 

 weave themselves in and out among other plants. 

 Except under unusual circumstances they are not the 

 best choice for beds. Yuccas are remarkably hardy, 

 living to a considerable age. It is the part of wisdom 

 to divide their roots from time to time, and thus 

 to secure for the garden an increase in their num- 

 ber. 



I like to see them planted against evergreens, 

 where the midday sun can illumine the whiteness of 

 their flowers. Once, I saw numbers of them in the 

 full glory of bloom before a hemlock hedge. The 

 sun shone upon them, radiating their whiteness until 

 it appeared as if liquid silver had been poured over 

 the spot. An hour later this peculiar effect was 



[53 J 



