Hedges 
OR a great many years the European custom of surrounding lawns 
and gardens with walls and hedges was not practiced in this 
country. We thought it un-neighborly to retire behind these 
barriers even when enjoying the exclusive company of our own 
families in the garden. Happily this notion has been out-lived and today 
we may enjoy our gardens with the comfortable feeling that our privacy 
is secure and cannot be invaded by curious prying eyes. Probably the 
hedge has had the most to do with this change because of its less formal 
appearance and for the fact that its true purpose is not so obvious. 
The hedge has many and varied uses and may be made of a number 
of different kinds of plants. Perhaps the most important use of the hedge 
is for dividing one property from another especially where space is re¬ 
stricted. Another splendid use of the hedge is to enclose the flower garden. 
The green foliage of the hedge makes a very effective background for the 
more brilliant flowers. 
Hedges can be made from either evergreen or deciduous plants 
and they are both splendid in their own way. The evergreen hedge is 
the richest in color and texture and if properly trimmed can be the out¬ 
standing feature in the home landscape. The beautiful old Yew hedges 
in England are an example. The deciduous hedge is a bit less formal in effect 
and often has the added beauty of flowers and bright autumn-foliage. 
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