Evening star., 1942-08-09

back yard-not planting tive must
consider the above listed material
only as an example of what can be
grown under trees. However, our
problem is to develop the back yard
to suit our needs. If We wish to de-
vote 1t to flowers and shrubbery the
above lists may be OF interest.
For background paintings we
may use rhododendrons and tall
growing azaleas, with dogwoods,
Virginia fringe trees, hollies and
redbuds, although on narrow lots it
may be that they spread too much
for the available space. In this
case it may be desirable to use one
or more of the sllade-loving ever
green's and keep them pruned to a
narrow space. The hemlock is prob
ably the most desirable for this
purpose, although the upright grow
ing yeW is less spreading and not
so tall-growing.
Rhododendrons, azaleas and leu
cothoe may be grown in the borders
or banked to give masses Of flowers,
If one has the problem OF slope,
as is so often the case on shady
lots, and it is not desirable to build
walls and level the ground, one may
use shrubs, perennials and ground
covers to protect and cover the soil.
However, if it is possible through
the use of low retaining walls to
level part of the area it will add
to the interest and usefulness of
the garden. One word of caution
Tree roots cannot be deeply buried
without greatly affecting the health,
if not the life, of the tree.
Slopes and banks may be planted
with ferns, English or Baltic ivy.
spurge and vinca minor. The latter
is preferred by many because of its
flowers in the early spring.
Paths May Be
Problem.
Paths are more of a problem in
the shady garden than in others.
since they are for the most part
kept as inconspicuous as possible.
Tan bark, sawdust and other SINH
lar materials are used where there
is little or no slope. Flagstones are
more or less necessary where the
slope is pronounced. 1t is seldom
practicable or desirable to have
straight paths or walks in the shady
garden, although where the garage
is located at the rear of the lot
fN
house should be as direct as pos
sible.
Where space and contour permit
it, is desirable to have grass. Ken
lucky blue grass will thrive and
do very well in light shade, while
the rough-stalked bluegrass CPoa
trivialis) and Chewings fescue
should be used in the more heavily
shaded areas.
Water may be used in the shady
garden, even though water lilies
are out Of the question (they will
not flower in shade). Pools among
the ferns are interesting. and
naturalistic brook is ideal from the
standpoint of giving interest to a
garden planting.
The location of service yards
CLOTHES, incinerator, etc. should
be carefully studied before the To-
cation of shrubbery, bulb and
perennial paintings are considered.
Screening paintings are as essential
in the shady yard as in the sunny
one and on the smaller lot prob
ably more difficult to arrange.
Soil preparation is of paramount
importance to the success and en-
joyment of shady garden. 1t
should be carefully and we'll done.
Once done it will have to last many
years. This involves primarily the
deep incorporation of generous
quantities of compost, leafmold or
peatmoss. Working this material
into the soil to a depth of 18 to "a
inches may sound like a prohibitive
amount of work and expense. In
a way it is, but since it is done
only at the beginning, and takes
the place of most of the subsequent
feeding and cultivation, reduces
watering. and keeps the soil cool,
it is worth the effort and expense.