SHRUBS 253 



shears in any other manner. Occasionally, 

 where a shrub assumes a tall, spindling growth, 

 it may be advantageous to cut it back to in- 

 duce a broader and more spreading growth. 

 Wherever this is necessary cut back boldly or 

 the purpose of the pruning will not be accom- 

 plished. But, for the most part, let the shrub 

 have its own way, especially when it is healthy 

 and vigorous, and apply the shears only when 

 it is absolutely necessary. Shrubs sheared 

 into unnatural forms seldom possess any value 

 as ornaments unless the effect aimed at is alto- 

 gether formal. 



VARIETIES 



On the smaller grounds in town or city the 

 greatest value of shrubs is in the grouping of 

 many flowering varieties in one mass so that a 

 succession of bloom is insured from April to 

 November. If only seven shrubs were planted 

 it would be possible to maintain such a suc- 

 cession, the bloom first appearing immediately 

 after the last frost in spring and continuing 

 until autumn frosts blight the bushes. This 

 list would include : 



Forsythia April 



Syringa (lilac ) May 



Spiraea June 



Deutzia July 



