CHAPTER VIII 
Shrubs for Little Gardens 
By no means the least important work in the management of a little 
garden lies in the selection and care of shrubs. Bare walls inay be 
clothed with climbers, unsightly corners hidden by evergreen arbours, 
whilst the garden generally can be made bright with refreshing 
flowers. In short, the little garden surrounded by oppressive walls, 
ugly fences, or untidy borders may be made a source of interest and 
beauty if the right subjects are chosen. Now the selection of 
suitable shrubs is in most case ssadly overlooked. 
The Monotony of Common Shrubs.—Unfortunately it 
often happens that shrubs are planted around a new house before 
the tenant enters. This planting is invariably performed in the 
orthodox manner, for if Privet is not chosen then it is Aucuba, or 
failing either of these Laurel or Box. The frequent use of such as 
these produces a painful monotony of foliage, particularly in subur- 
ban districts where, in almost endless numbers, one little garden 
adjoins another. Even the common Lilac or Laurustinus would 
provide welcome relief ; while the Berberis or the Japanese Quince 
(Cydonia Japonica) would be far more serviceable. Owing to the 
restricted selection of shrubs generally planted in small gardens, an 
erroneous impression prevails that only a few are really suitable. 
That such is altogether wrong may be readily seen by a casual 
glance through any well ordered public garden. Even in the midst 
of large towns such shrubs as the Dogwoods (Cornus in variety), 
Purple leaved Hazel (Corylus), Jew’s Mallow (Kerria Japonica‘, Bush 
Honeysuckle (Weigela) may be seen flourishing, to say nothing of 
the Rhododendron, which in recent years has made rapid strides in 
popular favour. 
Evergreen and Deciduous Shrubs.—Shrubs are readily 
classified into two distinct groups namely, evergreen, /.c. those that 
retain their foliage throughout the winter, and deciduous, z.e. those 
which shed their leaves in the autumn. Although evergreens give a 
distinct beauty to the garden landscape in winter, they should not be 
planted too freely, or they produce a sombre effect. Most of the 
conifers, or cone bearing plants, such as the Yew, Arbor-Vitae, and 
Cypress, are evergreens. Where space will admit, the Strawberry 
Tree (Arbutus Unedo) forms one of the most handsome of ever- 
green shrubs. It is quite hardy, in fact it is found growing wild in 
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