FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 75 
which stiffly growing hollies, dusty yews, and straggling 
laurels monopolise nearly all the space, are usually lacking 
in interest just when they should be full of charm. If 
some of the old shrubberies filled with worn out, decay- 
ing evergreens could be rooted up, letting in the air 
and sunshine, how much better would it be. Their 
place might be taken by a varied collection of graceful, 
deciduous trees and shrubs, which during their flowering 
period would afford constant interest and pleasure. Of 
course a garden from which evergreens were entirely 
banished, would be bare and cheerless to a degree during 
the winter months. Besides, the more tender plants 
would undoubtedly suffer, owing to the sudden inlet of 
cold winds, from which they had previously been pro- 
tected. As shelter trees and wind breaks, evergreens 
are of the utmost utility, and their value in this direction 
cannot be over-estimated. Judiciously planted and used 
in moderation they are always pleasing, it is only by 
constant repetition, and the formation of dense, gloomy 
thickets, that the designer wearies us by their presence. 
Granted, however, that evergreens have a certain 
value, there is no reason why we should not aim at 
greater variety than is at present the case. In addition 
to the ever present laurels, there are whole families of 
Rhododendrons, Barberries, Olearia, Kalmia, certain of 
the Heaths, Daphne in sheltered situations, Cotoneaster, 
and many others. These are all beautiful at their flower- 
ing period, and at other times, by their diversity of form 
and habit, will make a welcome change to the existing 
conditions. I have felt it desirable to draw attention to 
the need for further recognition of the flowering shrubs, 
both deciduous and evergreen; they present so much 
variety and charm, and are, moreover, adapted to such a 
variety of situations, that it seems unreasonable to exclude 
them from our gardens. Another point in their favour 
is the supply of decorative bloom which is obtainable 
