Shrubs for Hedges 
The real beauty of the Laurustinus consists in its 
flowers, which, although white, are very freely borne, 
and in association with the reddish tint of the unopened 
buds have a very pleasing effect. The worst of a 
hedge is that it has to be kept trimmed, and in the con- 
tracted area we are considering this is more than ever 
essential. The result of trimming Laurustinus is to 
prevent it forming its flower buds, and this destroys its 
real value as a shrub. If the hedge has to be green 
there are other shrubs more suitable. The English 
yew, common green or Handsworth box can be used 
with advantage. In seaside towns Euonymus japonicus 
can be used with excellent effect, and has both its gold 
and green varieties. It is not wise to use it far inland, 
or in the north, however, as it suffers during severe 
winters. 
There is another fault that is common in such gar- 
dens as this, and is exhibited in the plan. The small 
square beds on either side of the path approaching the 
front door are good in theory but bad in practice. 
They are too small (2 feet square) for anything that 
would add beauty to the garden to succeed in them. 
A simple line of border on either side of the path would 
be much better. The grass plats and surrounding 
border could be quite attractive. Grass is highly 
desirable in such places. There are, however, some- 
times difficulties in the way of getting it to grow quite 
successfully. Had this been the north end of the 
house instead of the west it would have been so here. 
In that case the whole front might be paved or, if 
the house is of brick, laid down with bricks on edge, 
relieved by a few shrubs in tubs standing about. Such 
a3 
