SHRUBS AND FLOWERS. 



59 



improving their form, the work should not be done till March, as if cut early fresh 

 growths may form too soon and suffer from spring frosts. 



Choice kinds disposed thinly, as advised, give the best results eventually, while 

 close planting is the precursor of subsequent mutilation, and a reminder may be given 

 that the spaces between newly-planted trees and shrubs can be occupied at the back 

 with hollyhocks, delphiniums, sunflowers, and other tall-growing flowering plants, 

 while a large variety of other hardy and half-hardy kinds, including bulbs, occupy the 



Fig. 30. LiLIUMS AND RUODODENDRONS AT NeWsTEAD AbBEY, NOTTS. 



spaces between the front rows. Thus may the borders be rendered attractive in 

 spring, summer, and autumn ; but avoid overcrowding. 



Ehododendrons should be among the permanently planted shrubs, where they 

 succeed in the ordinary garden soil ; but if there is much lime in it they will fail, 

 therefore they sometimes have beds specially prepared for them. A mixture of common 

 peat, leaf soil, and sharp sand suits them well ; so also does it agree with Lilium 

 auratum, of which fine spikes of bloom are shown in Fig. 30, springing up among the 

 rhododendrons, brightening the beds at a time when they usually present a dull 



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