14 
JOUENAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Laburnums. Acacias need no pruning except to regulate growth. The 
smaller shoots can be removed to strengthen the flowering branches of 
nearly all shrubs, and free growths — which show their natural habits, 
should be encouraged. The planting time commences in October and 
may be continued until April. 
In grouping flowering shrubs very fine effects are obtained by 
carpeting with prostrate shrubs as Vincas, St. John's Wort, Gaultherias 
Savin (J. S. tamariscifolia), Erica herbacea (carnea), and then planting 
masses of a kind above them ; or in other cases central plants rising out of 
i)he beds, for example, for winter effect ; with Mezerons over Erica carnea, 
Witch Hazel over Berberis dulcis nana, Forsythias over Berberis Aqui- 
folium for summer, Acer negundo variegata with Prunus Pissardi or Purple 
Nut, silver variegated Cornus mas over Gaultheria ; Golden Elder and 
Prunus Pissardi; Malus floribunda over Vinca major ; Viburnum plica- 
tum set near Spiraea bumalda ; Forsythias and Ribes, Cytisus Andreanus, 
G. praecox, C. albus, and the wild Spanish Broom used with Prunus Pissardi ; 
Acer polymorphum vars. over Hydrangea paniculata is a lovely combina- 
tion, while large beds can have groups of various families as Guelder 
Roses, Lilacs, Syringas, tall Spiraeas arranged in order to give effect the 
whole summer. Green foliage effects can be made by grouping large 
leaved Catalpas and Paulownias with Acacia angustifolia, and so on. 
Berberis stenophylla and Darwinii with Acer negundo variegata backed 
by Portugal Laurels will be a fine group. 
These are but a few outlines of the pictures that can be produced, while 
by introducing Bamboos and Miscanthus (Eulalias) the effects can be still 
more heightened, and for winter by a judicious introduction of ever- 
green silvery and golden shrubs with variegated conifers a constant 
interest can be maintained. Full use should also be made of the silver 
and golden leaved shrubs mentioned, to lighten up dark masses in the 
shrubbery. The flowering subjects named can also be planted separately 
in prepared stations or set in masses of three, five, or more plants 
together. Brought forward before masses of evergreens they show up to 
great advantage, and for breaking straight Hues in drives, and even in 
villa gardens, they are very important. 
