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Shrubs and Vines (Planting of trees and shrubs)

The planting of trees and shrubs is one of the most artistic features in the development of the landscape. They are very necessary tools in ornamental gardening, helping very greatly to furnish the grounds and to connect the various component parts of the place.

Plant the shrubbery in such a manner as to emphasize the salient parts of the grounds, for instance, along the boundaries, at the base of buildings, in order to soften the crude outline between the house and the ground and to serve as connecting links between different parts of the grounds.

Nothing is more deplorable than a scattered planting, without rhyme or reason, over a lawn. It disturbes the effectiveness of the landscape, the result is inevitably a spotty one, and the beauty of an unbroken stretch of lawn is sacrificed. The material afforded by shrubs is very extensive and represents a great variety both in habit of growth, bloom and foliage.

The use of a few evergreens is especially advisable in large plantings, the color contrast of the evergreens [185] and deciduous foliage gives much character and helps to relieve the monotony of the whole. For the same reasons it is well not to restrict the planting to those bushes attaining the same height. A more graceful and pleasing outline is obtained by introducing into the border a few shrubs of different heights. Low-growing specimens can be often used to connect the taller growths with the lower ones and to break the skyline. Let the disposition of the shrubs be as natural and harmonious as possible. In a small area a better general effect is obtained by limiting the number of varieties introduced. This is especially important when shrubs are planted chiefly for effect during the blooming season.

A few groups of early flowering bulbs as, crocus, scilla, tulips and snowdrops planted in odd places toward the front helps to brighten the border in unexpected places at a time of year when color is much appreciated. Generally speaking, mass plantings are more desirable than specimen shrubs planted in isolated places for their individual beauty. Occasionally a few specimen shrubs can be used to advantage, but judgment and taste must be excerised in their arrangement.