ches of the ground, and continuously cut back until sufficient strong lateral 

 branches are developed to insure a close and healthy growth near the ground. As 

 all shrubs when planted tend to grow only at the top, in no other way than by cut- 

 ting back can a perfect hedge be made. After the necessary lateral growth has 

 been obtained, the top should be cut a little higher at each trimming until the de- 

 sired height has been reached. For small lawns a hedge two or three feet high, 

 and pruned in triangular or conical shape, is the most ornamental. 



Pruning a Privet hedge may be done at any season of the year, and with- 

 out the slightest injury to the plants. Constant pruning stimulates a strong, com- 

 pact growth, and a perfect, low-branched hedge may be had the second season af- 

 ter planting. 



Other Hedge Plants. — Aside from the two varieties above mentioned 

 there are many beautiful flowering shrubs that are never thought of in 

 this connection, which make splendid informal hedges : the Hydrangeas 

 w^e are so familiar with, Lilacs, some of the Spireas, the Altheas, and the 

 Prairie and Rugosa Roses. 



The Japan Quince, or Pyrus Japonica, is another that may be kept 

 trimmed like the Privet, and in the early spring will make a great show 

 with its flowers of brilliant red. 



HARDY BORDER (PERENNIALS) 



TN all branches of landscape gardening, it is not so much what is 



planted as how it is planted. The most beautiful things are at a 

 disadvantage if badly arranged, while the least attractive plants, well 

 arranged, take on beauty and distinction. 



There is no arrangement for flowers that can excel the '' border." It 

 conforms to formal or informal lines equally well, and is a never-wearying 

 delight wherever the eye falls upon it, whether following a walk, in front 

 of a wall or enclosing a lawn. 



Whether it shall be mixed or composed of a single variety is a ques- 

 tion for the individual. Many plants of a few varieties rather than a few 

 of many varieties is a rule that holds good throughout all landscape 

 planting, and produces the most restful effect always ; but one may use, 

 in the mixed border, a dozen different things with good results. Always 

 plant several of each variety together, except in the case of very luxu- 

 riant and spreading plants, where one may be enough. 



A little border of some dwarf plant, outlining the whole, is a good 

 finish, and, where the border follows a walk, there should be turf next the 

 walk as a final division between the two. 



14 



