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THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. 



OAKS AT APPALL HALL, SUFFOLK 



the attractions of others with which it is associated. May be it is merely to serve as a shelter 

 or background. The monotonous effect of most shrubberies is due to an indiscriminate mixing 

 and dotting about of a small number of things repeated ad nauseam. Pleasing results are 

 produced by bold informal groups consisting either of one variety or species, or of suitable 

 combinations of two or more. The same principle should be followed in planting isolated beds 

 on the turf. The beauty of all plants, more especially of the smaller ones, is naturally greater 

 when they are represented in a mass. Their cultivation also is more satisfactory when this 

 arrangement is adopted, as each group can be given its proper conditions (aspect, soil, etc.), 

 and the plants are less likely to get encroached upon by greedy neighbours. A Scotch Rose, 

 for example, need not have to wage an unequal fight with a Privet, nor a Darwin's Barberry with 

 a Cherry Laurel. The dimensions of a group will depend upon the size and character of the 

 species of which it is composed, and where two or more species are associated in a single group 

 they must agree in habit and colour. The following arrangements may be mentioned as 

 examples: Prunus Pissardi, with an undergrowth of the yellow-leaved Cornus Spathi ; 

 Hamamelis arborea (Witch Hazel), grown as low standards rising out of a mass of the white 

 Mezereon (Daphne). These flower together in the early part of the year. Such 

 plants as Forsythias, Almonds, Peaches, etc., which flower early, should, if possible, 

 have a background of Holly, Holm Oak, or other evergreen. The evergreen Barberry 

 (Berberis Aquifolium) and Jasminum nudiflorum make a charming combination, the sprawling 

 yellow-flowered branches of the Jasmine making a bright contrast to the purple-tinted foliage of 

 the Barberry. Shrubs of spreading habit like Philadelphus (Mock Orange), Weigelas, and 

 Rhododendrons should never be mixed up with other things. 



The abuse of Variegated Kinds. — Trees and shrubs with variegated or golden 

 or purple foliage brighten our gardens considerably, especially when flowers are scarce, but 

 a certain restraint must be observed in their use. The variegated Negundo, charming as it 

 is, has been far too freely planted. A similar result appears likely with Prunus Pissardi, as 

 the prevailing tone of the garden should be a restful green, plants with coloured foliage 

 only being planted in sufficient quantity to brighten and relieve the arrangement. 



