The Garden Magazine, April, 1921 
127 
EVERGREENS USED FOR PICTORIAL VALUE 
Mattie E. Hewitt, Photo 
Quite apart from the grandeur of the aged White Pines that stand as guardian outposts to the residence, the base screen planting of various or- 
namental Evergreens does much to give a sense of warmth and stability to this house at Manchester, Mass. Retinisporas in variety dominate 
If there be turf on the surface, and it is not required elsewhere, 
lay this on one side of the trench with the first nine inches of 
soil which is generally the best. Place the lower soil on the 
opposite side of the trench. Stir the soil in the bottom, mixing 
some bone meal with it; break up the turf, and throw the 
rough parts into the bottom, where it will do the most good. 
This will leave the finer soil ready for covering the roots. If 
the soil is very poor, well rotted stable manure or prepared 
humus may be used, or leaf mold. I prefer the bone meal, 
however. Coal ashes that have been screened, make an 
excellent medium for mixing with heavy soils, using, of course, 
the ashes that pass through the screen. 
Where larger sizes in White Pine or Spruce are used, 
these naturally have a wider spread of branches and should 
be planted farther apart. In this case the digging of in- 
dividual holes rather larger than the spread of the roots would 
answer. 
Lay the lower roots flat on the bottom of the trench 
or hole, and place layers of soil between them and the upper 
roots. The tree roots will then be in about the same position as 
before lifting. Be sure to have the roots spread out; they will 
have a much better chance to take hold of the soil and form 
new growth more readily. When two thirds of the soil is filled 
in, give a good watering, which will settle the soil between the 
roots, then tamp the soil firmly. When the water has drained 
away fill in the balance of soil. Should the weather be warm 
and dry, spray the trees overhead for a few days — during the 
afternoon is best. 
There are many points in favor of planting Evergreens as 
screens. Primarily, of course, because they are in fact a screen 
the year through; besides which they form a splendid wind- 
break, and add materially to the value of a place, while lending 
a touch of cheerfulness to the grounds during the winter. The 
color of Pines and Spruces blends beautifully with that of 
Hemlock. The Scotch Pines and Austrian Pines are both strong 
and rapid growers. In the White Pine and White Spruce we 
have trees that will form a natural screen and wind-break for 
the most exposed positions; and where a variation in color and 
form is desired, combine a few Pinus densiflora with the above. 
This has long foliage, of a light shade of green quite distinct 
from the others. 
The Hemlock has a soft and pleasing outline and is most 
effective when grouped. This method of planting requires 
more room and more trees. One plan is to plant groups 
leaving spaces between, which later on may be filled with the 
transplanted material as the original groups need thinning out. 
For suburban grounds and where space is limited, planting in a 
row is the best method. Hemlock or Arborvitae will soon 
make a dense, all-season screen and will not spoil the turf with 
roots and shade. As to time of planting, April and May for the 
spring season; August and September for fall. If the situation 
is exposed put your reliance on May planting. 
