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allowed to grow with little or no trimming. If a hedge about an entire area seems 

 monotonous, one may arrange single plants or groups in some or all of the comers. 

 In areas not large enough to afford space for a continuous informal border, masses 

 may be employed in the corners, and on the sides hedges may be used to connect 

 them. Most persons realize the value of hedges in gardens; but few recognize 

 that they are very economical borders for small areas. Thus, considering their 

 uses and the varied effects which may be obtained with them, this method of 

 planting is worthy of observation and study. 



While it is scarcely possible, by means of written descriptions, to teach persons 

 to select and to arrange plants successfully, a few suggestions can be given which 

 may encourage closer observation. First of all, a few things about each plant 

 must be known or ascertained before any kind can be selected for particular uses 

 or definite positions and before it can be so spaced into or combined with a group, 

 a hedge, or a larger plantation, as to produce certain preconceived effects in 

 accordance with a rearranged plan. If, because of its form or habit, one Jias 

 selected a certain plant for a specific position in the plan of a yard, he must know 

 whether, in that position, it wiU receive enough sunlight, whether the proposed 

 position wiU be too cold and exposed or too dry for it, and whether the eventual 

 spread of its branches will necessitate some allowance in order to space it properly. 

 Most plants thrive under normal conditions, and with a more detailed knowledge 

 of these, and, in fact, of all plants, better success may be attained. The space 

 required by a plant may be ascertained by observing the habits and spread of 

 mature plants of the same kind; one may also consult a nurseryman. According 

 to these data, plants may be so spaced as to merge closely, or slightly, or to have 

 any required distance between them at maturity. 



In preparing a plan for border planting, or in staking out on the ground the 

 positions for the plants, it is best to arrange first the distinctive, individual plants 

 and groups which are to mark the focal points in the border. Then the less-con- 

 spicuous plants which are to connect the focal points and to fill in the intervening 

 spaces in the border may be planned. The spacing of groups which are a part 

 of the borders should be done very carefully, and in a similar manner to that 

 described for outstanding groups on the lawn. If the trees or shrubs intended to 

 be prominent are low-growing, they should be set forward, and the group should 

 be brought to the edge of the border; on the other hand, if they are tall-growing 

 and are intended to rise from the mass about them, they should be placed further 

 toward the hack, and the indefinite mass planting of the border should be con- 

 tinued across in front of them. Deciduous plants, especially those of a spreading 

 habit, should not be used in conjunction with evergreens, as they crowd the 

 evergreens, shade and kill their lower branches, and in the winter have a very 

 shabby appearance. Evergreens and deciduous trees which are intended to "face" 

 themselves (to have no shrubs in front of them) should be placed near the front 

 of the border, or within such a distance of it that the branches will eventually 

 spread and join it. Generally speaking, the trees and the larger shrubs which are 

 to be incorporated therein should be placed nearer the front or the back of the 

 border, rather than midway between its edges. In a mixture of evergreens and 

 deciduous plants, only those deciduous varieties should be selected which will 

 not spread unduly. If they are intended to merge with the evergreens, however. 



