s, instead
of being planted in the usual unthinking fashion, which is without
definite aim, and therefore cannot possibly make any good effect.

We do not, as a rule, plant upright-growing Conifers of the Juniper and
Cypress class in our flower borders, and yet the illustration shows how
this may be done with the very happiest effect. Probably in this case
the trees were there already, and the flower border was wanted, and
therefore was made in circumstances that would not have been specially
arranged at the outset. But it has been done with rare intelligence and
sympathy, and the result is excellent. Here also is seen the best kind
of edge treatment, for the grass is either cut with the scythe or the
plants at the edge are lifted with a stick as the machine runs along, so
that the usual pitiless machine edge is not seen, and the plants at the
side bush out over the grass just as they should do. This is a thing
that is rarely seen well done in gardens.

CHAPTER XXXII

SHRUBS UNDER TREES

It is often a vexed question what to plant under trees when the space is
bare, and sometimes there is an ugly view seen beneath the branches to
shut out. Evergreens are the sheet anchor, relieved with a few deciduous
shrubs grouped amongst them.

Much depends upon the tree, whether a Beech or an Oak, a Maple or a
Chestnut, and so on, as trees vary considerably in their method of
rooting, as well as in the shade they give during the summer months.
This affects the welfare of the plants underneath. Such trees as Oak,
Ash, Plane, Birch, and Horse Chestnut are inclined to root deeply when
they have grown to a fair size, and do not interfere directly with
anything underneath them, although the roots extract much moisture from
the soil.

On the other hand, Beech, Elm, Lime, and Sycamore are more
surface-rooting, and their roots often get entangled with and gradually
kill plants growing near them. Beech and Elm are the greatest offenders,
and grass frequently perishes under these trees. A few liberal soakings
of water in dry weather are beneficial to shrubs or anything else under
trees, but the soakings must be thorough, as mere sprinkles are more
harmful than otherwise. The spread of large tree branches should also
be noticed in summer, as sometimes one or two of the lower ones may be
removed with benefit to the shrubs, judicious cutting away letting in
light and air.

The best of the larger growing evergreens to use under tr