Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-03-14
A CHAPTER on Shrubs.

The owner of a lawn who plants
shrubs all over it makes most serious
mistake. He destroys the dignity OF the
lawn proper, because he breaks up all
sense of width and depth. If you would
make the most of the little space Of
ground between the average home and
the street, do not dot its surface over
| with bushes, but place these at the
sides, leaving the center free. This
gives you an open outlook, and at the
same time preserves that sense Ut isola-
ton between the house and the public
thoroughfare which ought always to be
secured, if possible. A piece. of ground
whose expanse is unbroken, always
seems larger than it really is; therefore,
in order to secure the greatest possible
appearance of size for the lawn, plant
your shrubs along the sides Of it, but not
on it. Another argument In favor OF
keeping the lawn surface free from
shrubs is the greater ease with which it
can be cared for. You cannot run a
lawn-mower satisfactorily when you
have to dodge in and out, constantly,
between shrubs.
In planting shrubs, be very careful to
have their roots Strengthened out in as
nearly a natural position as possible.
Before planting time is at hand. dig up
the soil where shrub is to be set to the
depth of at least foot and half. Make
| it fine, and enrich it we'll. When you
are ready to set your shrubs, have the
hole nearly empty. Spread out the roots
of the plant evenly in all directions as
they seem to have originally grown, and
sift the mellow soil in among them until
they are covered. Then press the soil
down we'll, or, if you choose to do so,
apply pailful of water to settle 1t, and
fill in about the plant with the loose
earth. If water is used as suggested
above, it will not be necessary to apply
any after the soil is returned to the ex-
cavation. But if it has not been used
on the roots, apply enough to thorough
ly settle the upper stratum, or else
pound it down firmly.
Plant your shrubs SO far apart that,
when they have developed, they will
have little elbow room.
There are so many desirable kinds
that it is difficult matter to say which
are best. But in this list will be includ-
ed only those which are entirely hardy,
bloom we'll, and do not require any at
tention that the amateur gardener can
not easily give them-the "stand-bys''
among shrubs, in fact.
At the head of the list would place
the lilac. Many varieties grow to large
size, and these should be given place
| in the rear. The varieties of lower
growth and more spreading habit should
have places in front where they will de-
light the eye with their wealth of lovely
and fragrant bloom early in the season.
A well-established and properly cared
for lilac is good for lifetime.
For locations near the path, or as
specimen plants to stand out alone on
the lawn, there can be nothing lovelier
than the spirea. A well-grown bush
will be mass of bloom, every dropping
branch wreath of beauty. The best
variety. of all is the one known as
Bridal Wreath"
The Deutzia is another most lovely
shrub. Deutzia crenata grows to con-
siderable height and has rose-colored
flowers. Deutzia gracilis is of low,
dwarf, compact habit, and produces
pure white flowers in prodigal abun-
dance. 1t comes into bloom early in the
season. No collection is complete with
out it.
| Corchonis JapOnica, or Globe Flower,
| is a small shrub with fine foliage and
rich yellow flowers. 1t is extremely
valuable because of its color, which is a
rare one among shrubs.
Daphne cueOrum is one of my favorites.
1t is a very low-growing, spreading
plant-an evergreen-blooming in May,
and continuing throughout the season.
Its flowers are bright pink, almost as
fragrant as those of the arbutus. For
massing, near the path or in the i'm
mediate foreground of other shrubbery,
it is one of our very best plants.
FOrsythid fortunei is shrub of large
growth. 1t blooms in early spring, be-
fore its leaves appear. Its flowers are
bell shaped, of rich, glowing yellow.
There are other good varieties, but this
one consider best for general use.
Hylrangea paniculdta grandidora il
too we'll known to need any recommends
ton. To keep it low, and make it take
on the spreading habit, cut it back sharp
ly every season, before it begins its an.
nual growth. Never try to make tree
of it. If>you have plenty of space at
your disposal, fine results can be secur-
ed by setting from three to half dozen
plants in a group.
Syringa is nearly as we'll known as the
lilac, and is always favorite. Its pure
white and deliciously fragrant flowers
are charming. Because of its strong
habit, give it place to the rear.
The Flowering Currant is extremely
ornamental in spring, when loaded down
with its wealth of spicy yellow flowers,
and again in fall when its foliage turns
to gold and crimson.
The Golden Elder" -Sambucus aurea
of the catalogues-is q shrub whose
beauty is in its foliage rather than in it's
flowers. 1t is a clear, bright yellow,
and shows to fine effect if planted where
it can have an evergreen for back
ground. 1t grows in round, compact
shape without attention in the way of
pruning.
Cydonia, or Japan Ounce, is another
of the shrubs you cannot afford to be
without. Its foliage is rich, dark
green, overlaid with metallic luster.
Its flowers, which are produced early in
the season, are of the most intense
scarlet. They glow like Goals of fire.
New Idea.