ON PLANTING SHOWY SHRUBS IN MASSES. 
137 
most different characters are associated, they are unquestionably preferable to any 
other kind of grouping, provided a due regard be kept to the preservation of some 
kind of unity and expression. It is mostly considered, among the ordinary 
planters of gardens, that, if every plant in a group be different from its neighbour, 
enough has been done in the way of arrangement. This, however, is very erro- 
neous. There ought to be a harmony preserved throughout the whole — a blending 
and yet a contrast of forms — a variety as to the season for the development of 
foliage and flowers, so that there be some interesting object in every part of the 
group, at almost all periods, and not too many in one place — which requires the 
utmost experience and knowledge, and forms one of the last attainments of a 
planter. 
In respect to single specimens, they are admirably fitted for creating striking 
effects, and exhibiting elegant outlines, if judiciously and rather sparingly 
employed. On a large lawn, interspersed with groups, or so arranged as to com- 
pose a group of themselves, they are especially beautiful. But when a lawn is so 
thickly studded with them as to leave no broad glades of grass for the eye to rove 
over and rest upon — particularly if they are not intrinsically ornamental enough to 
be calculated for standing out alone, and being viewed from every point — they 
become extremely displeasing. Nothing, in the whole range of gardening, is more 
distasteful than a fine lawn dotted all over with isolated specimen plants, and 
having no large open spaces to give it breadth and repose. If it be on a level, or 
nearly so, the deformity is still greater. 
Decidedly the best position for solitary specimens of shrubs is in retired parts 
of a garden, where nooks or small open plots of grass occur, and where the plants 
will both be seen to advantao^e and be in character with the sDot. 
But we purpose here to speak more immediately of the desirableness of making 
groups of one species of shrub, or of several varieties of the same or allied species. 
In heterogeneous mixtures, there is manifestly at all times a scantiness of inflo- 
rescence, only here and here a shrub being in bloom at the same period. Single 
plants, also, are alike deficient in that amplitude of blossom which is requisite to 
the production of a very grand or imposing display. 
An allusion to the modern practice of filling the beds of the flower-garden, 
will show the kind of characteristic which we wish to see more frequently 
imparted to the clumps of shrubs which are used in diversifying the lawn. This 
style has, indeed, been adopted in some places, though by no means so commonly 
as it ought to be, and only to a limited extent as respects the objects so grouped. 
Masses of Rhododendrons are far from being rare in pleasure-ground borders ; 
yet they are not so usual in detached beds, which are more interesting. Azaleas, 
too, are sometimes met with in the like circumstances. And to say that both of 
these tribes have a most glowing aspect, when thus brought together, and pre- 
senting a sheet of varied blossom, is but cold praise. A large bed of the best 
varieties of Azalea is among the finest things in creation, when blooming freely. 
VOL. XI. NO. CXXVI. T 
