BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 
LEAFLETS 
THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 
Sfries II Brooklyn, N. Y., September 16, 1914 Number 9 
HEDGE PLANTS 
A healthy, well-grown hedge when formed of the right 
material and occupying the proper position in the garden is ex- 
tremely attractive and beautiful. Hedges, of course, are some- 
times planted for other reasons than that of ornament. Their 
primary object may be to act as windbreaks, screens to ensure 
privacy, to mark boundary lines, or for defensive purposes. It is 
with the object ot calling attention to some of the more desirable 
plants, and indicating briefly the methods to follow in order to 
obtain a good ornamental hedge, that this leaflet is written. 
There are many points to be considered when selecting sub- 
jects for use as hedges. The plants must be hardy, not subject to 
insect or fungous pests, they [must be naturally of symmetrical 
form or of such a character that they may be brought into the de- 
sired shape by pruning or shearing; and, further, they must be 
plants that are easily propagated or the price will be prohibitive. 
If the soil is naturally good very little preparation is needed 
before planting, beyond digging in, or plowing in, a dressing of 
manure, but if the soil is poor it is advisable to make a trench 
two feet wide and deep and fill it in with good soil. If this cannot 
be done the next best thing is to break up the ground to the depth 
mentioned and incorporate a liberal quantity of well decayed 
manure. If possible the ground should be prepared some months 
before planting so that it has time to settle. If this is impractic- 
able the soil should be firmed by treading. 
When planting, a line should be stretched along the space to 
be planted to ensure perfect alignment of the hedge. A start 
