6 
THE GROUPING OF SHRUBS 
The shrubbery masses in the above picture are nxceptionally good. Note the mass in the ex 
treme right-hand corner with the tall Weigela and Lilac in the center; then the medium-growing 
Spirea Van Houttei; then aroimd the outer borders Deutzia Lemoini and other low-growing shrubs. 
In the shrubbery mass on the left note th^ tall-growing Snowball in the center; next the medium- 
height Spirea Van Houttei and the low spreading Japanese Bush Honeysuckle. 
SHRUBBERY MASSES 
Pleasing results in groups of shrubs do not come from large numbers of the 
same variety in a single mass, but from harmonious arrangement of different varie- 
ties. Each group or plantation should have an excuse for existence, a reason for 
occupying that particular spot. If there are unsightly rear views, plantations in 
groups or belts should be provided in order to hide them. If a portion of the 
ground is to be used for a garden or a stable, planting should be made so as to 
shut these areas from view effectively. Groups of shrubs are also used to fill in 
the grooves of walks and drives and the corners, arranged according to form and 
size. In grouping shrubs, those with a tall, upright habit of growth should occupy 
a rear or central location, to form general barriers, against which the lower-growing 
sorts may be arranged in regular gradation. 
Plant the low-growing, drooping shrubs near the outer edge. Avoid exposing 
bare stalks of shrubs in the group. Low-growing, dense foliage plants are as essen- 
tial to a successful group or border as are the tall-growing sorts. Nature's way is 
the safest guide. 
In all planting the aim should he to conceal the hand of the gardener as 
much as possible. In small, formal places with straight walks and hedges, the 
gardener's shears must be used frequently, but always with the idea of producing 
harmony and symmetry without materially altering the natural growth of the plants. 
The arrangement of groups of shrubs on page 7 is adapted from a Government 
Bulletin by L. I. Corbet. These groups are not offered in collections, but by way 
of suggestion. Other groups will be found on page 24 and are sold in special col- 
lections. It is desirable to combine in each group as much of inferes! as possible 
without making it heavj' and unattractive. 
