Ornamental Hedges 
shearing, except during a period when the 
growth of the young wood is about three- 
quarters formed. Neglect in observing this 
point is the cause of nine-tenths of all the 
failures in evergreen hedges. 
As a rule, evergreens make new growth 
very sparingly from old wood. Pruning to 
a point back of the young growth is respon¬ 
sible for most of the dead and weak places 
so frequently found in hedges of this class. 
The perfect form for hedges of all descrip¬ 
tions is pyramidal,—a fact readily appreciated 
upon consideration, for the natural tendency 
of all growth is to push upward, sending the 
main strength into the upper shoots and rob¬ 
bing the lower ones to a marked degree. By 
pruning into a dome or pyramidal shape, the 
lower and side branches have an equal chance 
with the terminal and upper branches. 
In formal garden work it is often desired 
to obtain a hedge with flat top and square 
sides, as is frequently the case where Buxus 
or Ligustrum is used. Where this form is 
required, particular attention must be given 
to the feeding of the plants. They should 
be given regular mulchings with well de¬ 
composed manure. Winter protection is 
necessary to hedges of this character, to pre¬ 
vent the breaking and tearing apart of the 
branches by the weight of snow and ice. 
Covering with boards with an ample allow¬ 
ance of air space is advisable. Corn-fodder, 
standing “tent” fashion, will afford the 
necessary protection. Straw, which is often 
used, is apt to become saturated with mois¬ 
ture and break in on the plants during heavy 
snows. 
The fundamental principles to be observed 
in the care of all classes of hedge, may be 
summed up in a few words: keep the plants 
in a healthy growing condition and prune at 
the proper time with as much care and con¬ 
sideration as would be given to a delicate 
piece of machinery. 
AZALEA AMOENA IN BLOOM 
132 
