192 
The Garden Magazine, May, 1921 
Arthur G. Eldredge, Photo. 
the recently introduced Picea albertiana 
(so called), and many others more or 
less rare, which will appeal to the col- 
lector; but my view has been to speak 
here for the masses. 
The varieties of Box have always taken 
an important part in evergreen borders 
and beds. As it has become difficult to 
procure of late, in the future it will likely 
be propagated and grown in America, 
which should produce a type of Box 
that will prove hardier and much more 
serviceable than formerly. 
As an evergreen ground cover Pachy- 
sandra terminalis is one of the best; 
when grown in the shade, the foliage is 
much darker than when in sunlight. This 
plant makes underground stems and in- 
creases rapidly when established. When 
planting always lay the stems flat, not 
straight down or bunched. Spread out 
the roots, this gives them a better chance 
to grow and spread. Beds of Evonymus 
vegeta and Carrierei are very attractive 
especially where strict formality is not 
the rule. These types of Evonymus will 
answer in many places where the exposure 
is too great for Box and Yews. 
DWARF EVERGREENS IN THE BORDER 
Retinispora, Arborvitae, and Spruce interspersed with Agaves 
and potted Oranges. Residence of Mr. Busley, Glen Cove, L 1. 
DWARF SWISS MOUNTAIN PINE 
Very distinctive in habit, the Mugho Pine (Pinus 
montana Mughus) adds character to any planting 
The Spruce is represented by at least three desirable varieties 
for bedding. Picea excelsa Maxwelli is very slow growing, and 
when the young growth appears in spring it is really beautiful. 
The Conical Spruce (Picea excelsa conica) makes a very dense 
growth ; so close that it is impossible to see the parent stem. I his 
is excellent for narrow beds, also front plantings, but is too 
compact for rock work. Gregory’s Spruce is perhaps the best 
known dwarf Spruce, and can be used to advantage with dwarf 
Pines as the foliage textures harmonize. There are a number 
of dwarfs such as Hick’s Hemlock, Globe Dwarf Umbrella Pine, 
Soil Preparation and Planting 
T HE preparation of the soil will count 
a great deal in the final results. It 
is well to stop here and consider these 
first steps. One of the best methods is as follows. Mark out 
the length and width of the border; if in turf, this can be cut 
off and used elsewhere; if not, dig it under. Start at one end 
of the bed and throw out a section of soil one foot deep and two 
feet wide, stir the soil at the bottom another foot deep, then mix 
in any material from the compost heap, add a sprinkling of bone 
meal, enough to cover the surface of the soil. and stir it with the 
spade. Should the bottom be clay or heavy soil, mix in leaf 
mold, or humus of some kind, and sifted coal ashes (not wood 
MAXWELL’S DWARF SPRUCE 
Its unusually slow growth and interesting texture make 
this Spruce (Picea excelsa Maxwelli) desirable for bed 
and border use- it well companions the Mugho Pine 
