A description of a few of the desirable flowering and ornamental
shrubs for yards and lawns may enable our readers to select with
judgment.
PRIVET.—This is quite beautiful as a single plant; but is universally
employed for hedges, verdant screens, etc. There is an evergreen
variety, originally from Italy, by far the best. The roots of this
plant are fibrous, don’t spread much; the limbs endure the shears very
patiently; it grows very rapidly, two full seasons being sufficient to
form a hedge; and it will flourish under the shade and drip of trees.
ROSE ACACIA (_Robinia hispida_).—This is a species of the locust, of a
dwarf habit, seldom growing six feet in height, and covered with fine
spines which give its branches a mossy appearance. Its blossoms
resemble the locust, but are of a pink color. It is often grafted upon
the locust to give it a higher head and better growth. It should be in
every shrubbery.
VENETIAN SUMACH, or smoke tree (_Rhus cotinus_).—The peculiarity of
this shrub is in the large bunches of russet-colored seed-vessels,
looking, at a little distance, like a puff of smoke. The French and
Germans call it _periwig-tree_, from the resemblance of these russet
masses to a powdered wig. It grows freely, and is highly ornamental.
There are two other species of sumach worthy of cultivation; the _Rhus
typhina_, or Stag’s Horn sumach, of a fine flower, and whose leaves
turn in autumn to a beautiful purplish red; and the _R. glabra_, or
Scarlet sumach, having red flowers and fruit of a velvety scarlet
appearance, changing as it ripens to crimson.
SYRINGA, or Mock Orange (_Philadelphus coronarius_), is a beautiful
shrub, having, in the spring, flowers of a pure white, and of an odor
only less exquisite than that of the orange; whence one of its popular
names. The leaves have the smell of the cucumber, and are sometimes
used in spring to flavor salads. It grows freely, even under the shade
of trees, which, in all low shrubs, is a valuable quality. There is
also a large flowered inodorous variety. The popular name, Syringa, is
the botanical name of the lilac; but these plants are not in the
remotest degree related to each other.
LILAC.—This well-known and favorite little tree requires only to be
mentioned. There is a white variety, and delicately-leaved variety
called the Persian.
SNOWBALL (_Viburnum opulus_), everywhere known, and everywhere a
favorite; and scarcely less so is the
WAXBERRY, or Snowberry, (_Symphora racemosa_), introduced by Lewis and
Clark to the public attention, and first raised from seed by McMahan,
a gardener of some note. When its fruit is grown, it has a beautiful
appearance.
TAMARISK (_Tamarix gallica_), a sub-evergreen of very beautiful
feathery foliage, of rapid growth, and highly ornamental in a
shrubbery. It will grow in very poor soil.
SHEPARDIA, or Buffalo Berry, from the Rocky Mountains, a low tree,
with small silvery leaves, a currant-like fruit, which is edible. This
is worthy of cultivation. It is diœcious, and the male and female
trees must therefore be planted in proximity.
DWARF ALMOND (_Amygdalus nana_), but now called by botanists Cerasus
or Prunus japonica. This favorite shrub is found in all gardens and
yards. The profusion of its blossoms and the delicacy of their color
make it, during the short time of its inflorescence, deservedly a
favorite. As it flowers before its leaves put forth, it requires a
green background to produce its full effect. It should therefore be
planted against evergreens.
WOOD HONEYSUCKLE (_Azalea_).—This is a native of North America, and is
perfectly hardy. It flourishes best in a half shade, and flowers
freely. There have been a vast number of varieties originated from
crossing the species; and the nurseries will supply almost every shade
of color from white to brilliant flame color.
The _A. pontica_ is also hardy; but the Chinese species require a
greenhouse. This is one of the most magnificent shrubs that can be
cultivated, and deserves the special attention of those who wish to
form even a moderately good shrubbery.
The BERBERRY (_Berberis vulgaris_) is quite beautiful when in fruit.
It is easily propagated, grows in any soil, requires little pruning,
and is very good fur hedges.
GLOBE FLOWER (_Corchorus japonica_).—A very pretty shrub with double
yellow flowers, which are in abundance early in the summer, and also,
but sparingly, shown throughout the season.
“By some mistake _Kerria japonica_ was at first supposed to
belong to Corchorus, a genus of Tiliaceæ, and of course
nearly allied to the lime-tree; to which it bears no
resemblance, though it is still called _Corchorus japonica_
in the nurseries. It is also singular, that though the
double-flowered variety was introduced into England in 1700,
the species was not introduced till 1835. It is a delicate
little shrub, too slender to support itself in the open air;
but when trained against a wall, flowering in great
profusion. It should be grown in a light, rich soil, and it
is propagated by cuttings.”—_Companion to the Flower Garden._
LABURNUM (_Cytisus laburnum_).—This beautiful plant forms a small
tree, which, in May, is covered with pendant yellow blossoms. Blooming
at the same time with the lilac, the two planted together have an
extremely beautiful effect. It is hardy, grows in any soil, and is
propagated easily by seed.
The Scotch Laburnum (_C. alpinus_), is much more beautiful than the
common kind, “the flowers and leaves being larger and the flower more
frequently fragrant. They are also produced much later in the season,
not coming into flower till the others are quite over.”
ALTHEA, or Rose of Sharon (_Hibiscus Syriacus_).—One of the most
desirable shrubs for yards and gardens. The form of the shrub is
compact and sightly; flowers double, and may be had of every color; it
is hardy, growing well in all soils, and blooms continually from the
last of July till frost. It is beautiful in avenues, and, being
patient of the shears, it will form a fine _floral_ hedge, a good
specimen of which may be seen on Mr. Hoffner’s beautiful grounds near
Cincinnati. The single altheas are not so desirable. We regard this
shrub as worthy of much more extensive cultivation than it has
received. Its flowers are coarse on a close inspection, but at a
little distance, and among other plants its effect is excellent. It is
very easily propagated by cuttings, or from the seed.
SWEET-SCENTED SHRUB (_Calycanthus Floridus_).—Chiefly desirable from
the pine-apple fragrance of its brownish-purple flowers. They are used
to scent drawers, to carry in the pocket, etc. It grows freely in any
dry, rich soil, and is propagated by layers and suckers.
RED-BUD (_Cercis Canadensis_).—This small tree is familiar to every
one, being the first spring flowering tree of our woods. It flourishes
in gardens and makes a finer appearance there than in its native
localities.
* * * * *
GOOSEBERRIES.—Let those who are accustomed to lose their fruit by
mildew, drench their bushes with an alkaline wash. Lime-water, or
diluted lye are the most convenient. With a watering-pot, copiously
water the whole bush, on the upper and under side of the branches;
which can be easily done, if one will lift the branches while another
bestows the shower-bath. After they have done bearing, prune out the
head, and the lower branches, so as to give a _free circulation of
air_ under and through the bush. Spade in about them a liberal
dressing of leached ashes, and fine charcoal if procurable.