144 COLOUR SCHEMES 



as the Spindle-tree ; but the habit of growth is rather 

 too diffuse to let it make a distinct show of colour. 

 Leycesteria formosa is being tried in mass for winter 

 colour in some gardens, but I ventiure to feel a little 

 doubtful of its success ; for though the skin of the half- 

 woody stem is bright green, the plant has the habit 

 of retaining some of its leaves and the remains of its 

 flowering tips till January, or even later. After frost 

 these have the appearance of untidy grey rags, and 

 are distinctly unsightty. The brightest' effect of all 

 green-barked plants is that given by Whortleberry, 

 a plant that on peaty or sandy soils is one of the most 

 enjoyable of winter undershrubs. 



It would add greatly to the enjoyment of many 

 country places if some portions were planted with 

 evergreens expressly for winter effect. Some region 

 on the outskirts of the garden, and between it and 

 woodland, would be the most desirable. If well done 

 the sense of wintry discomfort would disappear, for 

 nearly all the growing things would be at their best, 

 and even in summer, shrubs and plants can do no 

 more than this. In summer, too, it would be good 

 to see, for the green things would have such an inter- 

 planting of free Roses, Jasmines, Clematis, Honey- 

 suckles, Forsythia, and so on, as would make charming 

 incidents of flower-beauty. 



The place for this winter walk should be sheltered 

 from the north and east. I have such a place in my 

 mind's eye, where, beyond the home garden and partly 

 wooded old shrubbery, there is a valley running up 

 into a fir-wooded hill. The patb goes up the bill-side 



