67 



A GENTLEMAN'S ESTATE 



Here is a view on a gentleman's estate. It is observed at 

 once that there is perfect privacy and that intrusion is almost 

 impossible. The boundary planting is tall, and consists large- 

 ly of Flowering Crab, Wild Cherries and Mulberries to attract 

 the birds. In front of these are Bush Honeysuckles and High- 

 bush Cranberries. The border consists of very low shrubs, 

 which give an easy transition from the lawn to the taller 

 growth at the rear. In the far background is a grove of 

 Evergreens, which gives a lively touch of color to the scene. 

 This park is a good example of the Greening Pictorial Sys- 

 tem of Gardening. Observe the large open- lawn and the fine 

 contrast of the heavy border planting in irregular lines; also 

 the easy gradation from low shrubs and showy perennials at 

 the edge to the tall tree growth at the rear. 



Plate 65. A Gentleman's Estate. 



SPIR^A VAN HOUTTEI FOR HOUSE BANKING 



The Spiraea Van Houttei looks natural and graceful in 

 many locations. It is very effective as used here at the en- 

 trance to a mansion on account of its willowy, drooping habit, 

 and enforces the lesson that plants have character and expres- 

 sion in their pose. A shrub with straight, stiff branches, like 

 the Althea, would have the effect of a sentinel at "attention," 

 and consequently repel by its sternness of aspect. On the 

 contrary the Spiraea Van Houttei as used here has a cheery 

 and inviting mien that is most charming. 



This Spiraea can be used for more distinct purposes than 

 any other shrub in the whole catalogue of floriculture. It 

 makes a very attractive hedge, as it yields to pruning almost 

 as naturally as the more formal hedge plants — the Privets, for 

 instance. Elsewhere in this book are shown banks of the 

 Spiraea Van Houttei which have been kept short by pruning 

 for formal effects, and the results have been most satisfactory 

 in this way. The only objection to pruning during the sum- 

 mer months is that it destroys some of the bloom. There is 

 a compensating result, however, when formal effects are in 

 keeping with the surroundings. Where a colored border 

 banking is desired, the Purple Barberry and Golden Syringa 

 are responsive to the same treatment and the combination is 

 very beautiful. 



Plate 66. Spiraea Van Houttei for House Banking 



