April, i p i 6 
29 
Here is an example of variety in the foundation 
shrubbery planting, inhere six sorts are well selected 
and arranged to present a pleasing diversity 
Though of very different effect from the planting in 
the adjoining photograph, this almost unbroken 
mass of Van Houtt’s spiraea is as attractive 
This is very important. Also it is important to select the 
very choicest from the point of bloom and foliage and winter 
effect as well. One of the delights of winter outdoors is the 
tracery of branches against the snow. Where only one shrub 
is to be used, or perhaps two or three, and these as speci¬ 
mens, the character of the branches’ growth and their winter 
effect are as worth considering as the other features. 
Desirable Sorts 
Where there is space for a spreading and rugged specimen, 
a rugosa rose is one of the most picturesque growths. Per¬ 
sonally, my choice is the common variety in the white flowered 
form, the great starry blossoms gleaming brilliantly against 
rich foliage, and yielding a fragrance equal to that of any rose 
in the world. This is Rosa rugosa alba of the catalogues. Its 
height is about 6' when fully grown and its breadth very nearly 
the same, if it is allowed to fol¬ 
low its own devices. 
The common barberry, Ber- 
beris vulgaris, is lovely at its full 
development, although it is not 
very showy in bloom. It makes 
up for this by having very deco¬ 
rative berries strung in masses 
along the tips of its arching 
branches; and if the green form 
is not as distinctive for such a 
specimen as you might wish, 
there is the purple variety, 
which is about the only plant of 
an abnormal color that is toler¬ 
able. Really, the purple barberry 
is a beautiful thing, purple in 
leaf and branch and berry. 
Hydrangeas everyone knows. 
As specimen plants there is per¬ 
haps nothing equal to them for 
show, while they are in bloom. 
But they are sad looking affairs 
at most other times and have nothing to recommend them as 
specimens except their monstrous flower heads. If one likes 
that sort of thing, it may be worth while to plant them. Per¬ 
haps their best use is in a somewhat distant mass planting 
where as many as fifty or more may be set. 
Azaleas are as lovely a specimen as one may plant for bloom. 
Their habit does not render them particularly attractive at 
other times, but the fragrance of Azalea aborescens, together 
with its exquisite blush white flowers, goes a long way in its 
favor. This variety is the best for all-round appearance. 
Particularly picturesque in growth is the Japanese snow¬ 
ball, Viburnum plicatum, which may be had in standard form 
as well as in the shrub, if a formal plant is wanted. Viburnum 
tomentosum is another beauty of this species. A variety espe¬ 
cially recommended for soecimen planting is Viburnum tomen¬ 
tosum Mariesi, which is of spreading habit. This should not. 
therefore, be used where such 
habit will be inappropriate; but 
where there is space, it is a very 
fine selection. Another fine spec¬ 
imen is the red chokeberry, Pyrus 
(or Aronia) arbutifolia, which 
also has red berries. This is not 
adapted to very small space. 
Small Trees 
Two others remain — almost, 
indeed, the two that should be 
put first in a list of specimen 
varieties, but which are left to 
the last because they classify as 
small trees rather than as shrubs. 
One is the fringe tree, Chionan- 
thus virginica, which has par¬ 
ticularly lovely foliage, dark and 
glossy and gracefully carried, 
and is literally buried in its curi¬ 
ous white fringe blossoms in 
(Continued on page 70) 
The best use of hydrangeas is evidenced by single 
specimens or somewhat distant mass plantings of 
fifty or more bushes 
