H ouse and Garden 
rr 
\ 
Its flowers are in¬ 
conspicuous and 
not considered in 
LOOKING THROUGH THE ROSE ARCHES 
many owners err, they don’t let it alone. They 
see a tree or shrub they do not seem to have and 
get it. They naturally seek an open space, and 
down it goes, destroying the harmony and effect 
originally intended. This is often repeated until 
the open spaces are cluttered up and a thing of 
beauty becomes a tangled wilderness. Do not over¬ 
plant. In small yards one tree is often enough. 
One good specimen standing alone, monarch of 
all it surveys, exhibits its individuality and is impo¬ 
sing in its grandeur. In your drives 
along the country roads you have 
often admired some stately tree, and 
if you look back a moment you will 
remember that it stood alone with all 
its glories outlined against the sky. 
On large grounds, crowding may be 
admissible where a background of 
foliage or a windbreak is wanted. 
I am going to mention only a few 
desirable plants, all of which are hardy 
in our climate. If a deciduous hedge 
not higher than five feet is desired, 
there is nothing finer, hardier, or more 
satisfactory thanthe Japanese Berbens 
Thunbergii. It is saying a good deal 
when I state that I consider it, all told, 
the finest shrub introduced within the 
past fifty years. It is one of the earli¬ 
est to put forth its leaves in the 
spring, a pleasing green all summer. 
its attractiveness. 
In thefall itsfoliage 
assumes most bril¬ 
liant tones of red, 
and as it gradually 
falls, discloses nu¬ 
merous bright coral 
berries in pendent 
rows all along the 
under side of the 
slightly arching 
branches. These 
remain all winter, 
furnishing a wel¬ 
come feast for the 
early spring birds. 
It forms a compact, 
spreading hedge 
that never should 
be clipped, for then 
it loses its beauty 
both in form and 
berry. I have seen 
many mistakes in planting it on account of igno¬ 
rance of its eventual width. 
Most people plant too near the walk or roadway. 
In time, if happy, it will obtain a width of six to 
eight feet and should therefore be planted fully 
three and a half to four feet away from the walk. 
It is not fastidious as to soil and situation, but does 
not like wet feet in winter. Dry situations suit it 
best and I have seen it used on terraces with effect. 
If one fancies a hedge of roses, the Japanese 
A ROSEMARY WILLOW 
3 6 
