Evening star., 1950-12-03

garden is much discussed SUBJ
ject, almost never-ending because
there are so many uses which
hedges serve as well as the infinite
variety of materials which may be
used. And yet, the most COM
monty employed hedge plant is
probably the California privet. 1t
will always be popular because of
Its tendency to be evergreen lit is
in mild winters) and the ease with
which it can be grown, as well as
It's ability to withstand unfavor-
able growing conditions.
However, the California privet
is a strong grower and will take
the food and moisture from con-
siderable area to the detriment OF
neighboring plants and grass. And.
the California privet will not
thrive in a shaded situation, nor
in one where the soil is very dry
or very moist. But, in most Sec
tions of the Washington area, it
will serve very well for hedge
of 4 to 10 feet in height. If al
lowed to grow above 10 feet, it is
apt to flower and the odor from
the flowers is disagreeable.
While most people use a hedge
in place of a fence around their
property. there are many other
uses which living hedges serve. A
background for a flower or shrub
border may be most important for
full floral effect. Without the
background distracting views or
sights beyond would minimize the
interests. Many of our garden
plants cannot withstand strong
Winds and a hedge of some kind
which will break the wind will
benefit the plants both in summer
and in winter. Roses and lilies
are two that have a special need
for this protection.
Hedge Divides Areas.
Low ornamental hedges are
effective in dividing the property
Hito 'use" segments. An area for
play might very we'll be set apart
from the flower garden by a
hedge. although the principal
duty Of the hedge may be to stop
balls and other toys from rolling
into the flower garden. A thorny
dense hedge is generally con-
sidered the most useful in such a
situation.
Tall hedges should be used more
often than they are to screen out
unsightly views. In the modern
city it is often difficult to enjoy
the garden because of unattrac-
tive views. Lombardy poplars
were once widely used for this
purpose but because of disease
they are no longer planted. How
ever. there are other trees with
similar growth habits fastigate)
that may be employed as well as
the taller growing shrubs. Vines
may be trained on tall supports
for this purpose-roSeS on wire
supports are both beautiful and
effective for this purpose.
Evergreen hedges are preferred
by many because of the year.
round value. We like the protec-
ton from winter winds, another
real use for hedge. Also, hedges
between the house and the street
deaden the noise of passing
traffic. While this is hardly feasi-
bic in front of the house 1t should
be used more often on corner
lots.
There are many kinds of plants
that may be used for hedge pur-
poses in sunny situation, but
only a few kinds in the shade.
The hemlock and the. yew are
most frequently mentioned for
this situation, but many hollies
may be used to good advantage
In shady yard. The American
holly Ulex opaca), the hemlock
and the yew will do fairly we'll
In both sunlight and in shade
WHICH is q distinct advantage
where part Of the line is in shade
and part in sun. Some people
have objected to the hemlock,
claiming that it requires a width
of 4 to 6 feet, but I know of
several that occupy less than 4
feet. Hemlocks are thought to be
difficult to handle and they are
unless planted in q reasonably
well prepared soil. They should
never be on q ridge, but rather
In q slight depression. They are
used to q moist soil, one that is
well supplied with humus. While
some claim they cannot with
stand strong winds that sap the
moisture from their leaves, If well
planted they do reasonably well
In such a situation.
The hol1ies, especially the Amer