83 



PRIVET GROUPS AND HEDGES 



Another use of the Privet, showing one of the numerous 

 possibilities of the plant. This style of pruning is called topiary 

 gardening, and is pleasing enough in the country, where every- 

 thing is natural and we like some formal effects for a change. 

 But in cities the rule is reversed: we are so harassed by the 

 conventionalities of form that all urban gardening, to be pleas- 

 ing, should be in imitation of nature. This is a view of a country 

 place. 



In this instance, while the effect is attractive in its way, 

 there are too many of one kind of shrub used. Monotony op- 

 presses the sense. A variety of foliage, both in color and form, 

 would be more artistic. There should also be variety in height 

 and a few evergreens and deciduous trees would add to the beauty 

 of the scene. Variety is the spice of art as well as of that elusive 

 thing that we call life. 



Plate !)7. Privet Groiipx and Hetlges 



STATELY SILVER MAPLE ON GREENING AVENUE 



The Silver Maple has much to recommend it. It is one of 

 the fastest-growing trees we have, in this respect being sur- 

 passed only by the Eucalyptus Tree of California and the some- 

 what coarse Carolina Poplar which is indigenous to America. 

 The foliage is a clean, beautiful green and the under side of the 

 leaves has a silvery sheen, so that in a light breeze the tree 

 has a peculiar atmospheric effect. One of the best avenue trees. 

 See picture showing proper pruning of Silver Maple in this book. 



This Maple must not be confounded with the common soft 

 Maple. The original stock was imported from Scotland some 

 years ago by the father of the writer, and the strain has been 

 kept absolutely pure by propagating from it. As will be seen 

 from the picture, the pose of this tree is as graceful as that of 

 the Elm. It has the rare advantage of being practically immune 

 from all insect enemies. As a park tree it is very satisfactory 

 on account of its rapid growth and the beauty of its foliage, 

 which it silvery on the under side. 



Plate 98. Stately Silver lUaple on Greening Avenue 



