ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT 



BRIEF SUGGESTIONS TO PLANTERS 



vyL ^ In this and similar climates, where great extremes of temperature are experienced, it is 



rfi ^ necessary to employ only the most hardy ornamental trees and shrubs. Impressed with the 



importance of this fact, and in order that our customers may be spared much disappointment 



and expense, we have omitted from our catalogue, as far as possible, everything which is liable to suffer 



from severe cold. 



We have also taken great pains to secure, both at home and abroad, all valuable hardy material so as 

 to render our assortment of this class as complete as possible. An examination of the catalogue shows 

 what an extensive variety of stock is offered, enabling the planter by a judicious use of the same to accom- 

 plish any desired result with perfectly hardy trees, shrubs and plants. 



For the convenience of planters we have grouped the trees under the following heads : Trees remark- 

 able for their flowers, Trees of drooping habit, Trees with variegated and colored foliage, Trees with cut 

 or dissected foliage. The shrubs have been similarly arranged, and parties desiring to make selections for 

 particular purposes will find this classification useful. 



For Pahks akd Extexsive Groukds. No difficulty can be experienced by anyone in making selec- 

 tions for this purpose. But we cannot impress too strongly upon planters the importance and value of 

 flowering shrubs for effective masses and groups. There are many who imagine that the Rhododendron 

 and Azalea are indispensable. This is a great error. In this latitude both Rhododendron and Azalea 

 require prepared soil and protection, while hardy shrubs like the Weigela, Deutzia, Spiraea, Hardy 

 Hydrangea, Japan Quince, Double-flowered Almond, Lilac, Viburnum, Althaea, Paeony, Phlox and Japan 

 Anemone, when planted in masses, produce a magnificent effect, need no protection, and demand little 

 skill or care in their management. What grand masses of bloom can be had throughout the season by a 

 proper use of the various families I Then, the purple and variegated-leaved trees and shrubs may also be 

 planted in such a manner as to afford a rich and striking contrast. 



Groups of flowering trees form superb objects at the flowering season, and it is strange that planters 

 do not employ them more. 



Highly effective groups can be formed of trees and shrubs possessing bright-colored bark in winter. 



FoH Laws's axd Small Places. Whatever specimens are plantedshould be of the finest species, of 

 moderate size, of graceful habit of growth and handsome foliage. 



A pendulous tree or one with variegated foliage may be occasionally introduced, and will add to the 

 beauty of the grounds. Depend mainly upon dwarf shrubs for small places, and in selecting aim at secur- 

 ing a succession of bloom. Dwarf evergreens are very useful, and in small grounds hardy herbaceous 

 border plants can be used with the most satisfactory results; a proper selection will afford as much bloom 

 as ordinary bedding plants, and at half the trouble and expense. 



When Deciduous Trees, Shrubs and Vines can be planted either in Spring or Fall. In localities where 

 to Plant ^^^ Winters are very severe we recommend Spring planting. Spring is the best time for ever 

 greens generally, but they may also be transplanted successfully in August and early in Sep- 

 tember if favorable weather prevails at planting time. 



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