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use of tall-growing plants, of any kind though preferably of woody growth, is 

 quite to be desired, especially if they do not, by reason of their numbers, closely 

 crowd the house. The pattern of the garden need not be evident, and if it must 

 be explored to be really seen, the garden will be all the more interesting. 



It is not considered necessary for rural gardens to appear perfectly dressed 

 throughout their entire extent. If, immediately about the doorways, there is 

 evidence of trimness and careful cultivation, an overgrown effect in the more 

 remote corners should not be detrimental. The neglect apparent in dead and 

 sickly plants, however, is to, be distinctly differentiated from the appearance of a 

 corner of flourishing anemonies or lemon lihes,which seemingly thrive best when un- 

 disturbed in their favorite situations. If the owner of a cottage garden is a true 

 lover of plants, he will insist on having a considerable area devoted to gardens, 

 and in such gardens he may well plant, if he wishes, a considerable collection. 

 Tall-growing shrubs and small trees which do not submit gracefully to shearing 

 may be incorporated in the hedges. Most shrubs do ^est when not crowded by 

 others, as thus they are free to assume a more beautiful form and to flower 

 and to fruit more profusely. One can readily imagine the amount of space which 

 could be filled by even a restricted collection of flowering shrubs and evergreens, 

 especially if allowance were made for the future spreading of these shrubs and 

 for the planting of some herbaceous plants among them. A great variety of 

 plants does not seem to be out of character with country gardens, but the flourish- 

 ing condition of each plant is essential to the cheerful and thriving appearance of 

 the garden. With high hedges and a plentiful use of woody plants, the gardens 

 wiU afford all conditions of exposure, sun, and shade; and it remains only for 

 one to select carefully the proper situation for the native wild flowers, for the 

 various bulbs, and for the cultivated garden flowers, all according to their prefer- 

 ence for shade or sunlight. The well-known garden flowers, such as delphiniums, 

 phlox, asters, and especially the biennials, — including foxgloves and campanulas, 

 are essential to a garden and yet require more care than others. Therefore they 

 may be used near the house, where, if less in quantity, their effect will be greater. 

 It is possible, however, to have enough of the garden element to dominate the 

 situation without inconveniencing oneself for its maintenance. 



The enemy of high hedges should realize that with such protection for gardens, 

 orchards, or even meadows, many plants may be successfully grown which are 

 not sufficiently hardy to endure the open. Not only will all plants grow far 

 better in an enclosed garden, but a surprising nuinber of plants unknown to a 

 locality, and also perhaps many exotics which the lover of plants has collected in 

 other parts, may be grown successfully in a well-enclosed garden. In an exposed 

 location in the open country, considerable protection is needed for comfort and 

 also for ordinary success in gardening. 



The term high hedge means one from ten feet high to the height of most trees. 

 Considerable width must be allowed for a high hedge, not only for the healthy 

 condition of the tall-growing shrubs and trees which compose it, but also to 

 allow the development of sufficient density. A wealth of interesting vegetation 

 may be grown in large hedges and perhaps no where else in a small yard. Much 

 evergreen material is desirable, and trees like the hemlock, which will bear crowd- 

 ing and still retain their lower branches, should be selected. Moreover, many 

 berry-bearing shrubs and trees, such as the barberry, the mountain ash, the tall 



