The flowering Hawthorns are the attractive feature of the lawn after the
early blooming shrubs have doffed their gay attire, and settled down to
the more quiet hues that they will keep through the Summer. They are
attractive indeed, arresting the attention of every passer-by, and
drawing from all expressions of admiration and delight; not only because
of their beauty, but on account also of the delicious fragrance which
fills the air, and is carried for some distance by the winds.
The Single Scarlet variety is exceedingly showy and very fragrant,
producing its flowers in great profusion, so that they quite hide the
foliage. Early in the morning, and again just at evening, when the rays
of the sun fall aslant, the trees of this variety are lit up with a
peculiar glow that must be seen to be appreciated, words have no power
to express the exceeding charm of their beauty.
In striking contrast, and yet blending harmoniously, heightening the
beauty of the scene, is the Single White Thorn, the thorn of the English
hedge-rows. Those who have been familiar with it in the days of their
early home will need no description of it, the mere mention will bring
visions of beauty and loveliness, and tender memories. The fragrant
blossoms, wreathing the graceful branches as for a bridal, fill the air
with sweet odours, and add new charms to the deepening hues of the other
sisters.
With yet another beauty, not the free, fresh, unrestrained gracefulness
of the single varieties, but in more stately style and with matronly
air, the Double Flowering Thorns add their charm to the lovely group.
These are of several shades, white, rich rose color, deep crimson, and
bright carmine, each flower like a tiny rosette, and then grouped in
clusters, set with a bordering of glossy emerald. These double flowers
continue longer on the trees than the single, so that they retain their
attractiveness for some time after the others have dropped their petals.
After many years trial of the Hawthorns the writer can only say that
each returning year has left a deeper impression of the beauty and value
of these large shrubs or small trees as ornaments for the lawn. They
will certainly thrive well in a large part of Western Ontario, and
deserve to be planted around every home in the land. What a charm they
would give to our country in Spring-time, filling the air with
fragrance, and the landscape with indescribable beauty.
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