Evergreens Work Miracles

Not long ago, on a cold, drizzly day in January, I sat looking out at my garden, longing for spring. It is not a large garden—the houses in my neighborhood, as in so many neighborhoods nowadays, have not a great deal of ground around them. The branches of the Forsythia and the Mock Orange were bare, and the Apple tree was only a bleak skeleton. But the boundary planting of evergreens which form the garden enclosure were still dense and green. The carpet of Pachysandra and Periwinkle were vividly bright in the wet. The evergreens each side of the terrace were the same shapely spires that they were in June. Form, pattern, protection, accent— yes, even color and texture, all were intact and would remain so season after season, and with so little help from me. How faithful are the ever­greens, and how undemanding.

North, South, East or West—no matter where you live—there are ever­greens for every garden. The luxuriance of their foliage, the different shades of green, their variety of forms, textures, and heights contribute lavishly to the planting design. Indeed, like old friends, they can always be depended on to give us real enjoyment through the years. Their easy upkeep, perma­nence, and the all-year-round green they provide make them all-important in garden-making.

For practical purposes, evergreens may be roughly divided into two main groups: the cone-bearing or conifers, such as Hemlock, Arborvitae, Juniper, and Fir, and the broad-leaved types examples of which are Rhododendron, Camellia, Holly, Laurel, and Japanese Aucuba. Some species of evergreens, such as Abelia, Daphne cneorum, and Lonicera pileata are truly evergreen only in mild climates, and become semievergreen in regions where the winters are severe.

In making a planting plan it is very important to select the right ever­green for the allotted space. This can hardly be overemphasized. For instance, avoid using tall-growing trees or shrubs directly in front of a window. All too often one sees houses literally smothered with towering evergreens placed in just such a location, shutting out the vista, the air, and the light. Furthermore, a planting of this kind spoils the architectural lines of the house, whereas actually one of the purposes of the planting is to set off these lines to best advantage.

The curved terrace is blended harmoniously into the landscape composition with a broad border of Cotoneaster and Snow Azalea {A. ledifolia). Hemlocks and Pines give privacy and add beauty to the planting scheme. (Garden of Mrs. John H. Locke.)

Bear in mind the shape of the evergreen selected, and visualize how it will fit into the general planting scheme. Evergreens have definite forms, use the pyramidal and columnar types sparingly; in fact, these are espe­cially adapted for accent purposes, and where space permits they are sometimes well placed each side of a doorway. The globular kinds are very distinctive, and they should also be used with much thought. Evergreens with a bushy habit of growth and the creeping species, such as some of the Junipers, can be used more freely than those with more formal lines.

Another factor that should be considered is whether the planting is to be made in the sun or in the shade. There are evergreens that thrive in every location, and it is an easy matter to find the right plant for the available situation. Some of those that are shade-tolerant include such favorites as Laurel, Oregon Holly-grape, Holly Olive, Cherry-laurel, and the evergreen species of Privet. In mild climates Viburnum tinus will be an addition wher­ever a height of 8 or 10 feet is required, and it too will grow in semishade, though a sunny exposure is preferable. Its variety lucidum is superior to the type, since it is a stronger grower and is much more resistant to pests. There is no problem in finding plants that will flourish in the sun: Pine, Yew, Hemlock, Spruce, Cedar, Juniper, False-Cypress, Arbor-vitae, and Fir are just a few of these. Still another factor to consider is whether a given plant will do well in your particular locality, and in this connection it is always wise to consult a local nurseryman.

If you are the happy possessor of a new home, in all likelihood the builder will give you an allowance for purchasing the plant material of your choice. Or he may already have taken care of the planting prior to the sale of the property. In this case, check over the form and the ultimate height of each plant in relation to its location; by doing this, any errors that may exist can be corrected promptly before the plants become large and trouble­some to move. If this is overlooked, the plants may become crowded, grow into each other, and lose their shapeliness. When this occurs, even if they are transplanted and pruned back, it is questionable as to whether or not they will eventually regain their characteristic forms.

A cottage garden filled with gay flowers combined with evergreens makes a delightful composition. Photo: Paul E. Genaeux

If your builder has given you Ein allowance for purchasing plant material, you are then a free lance. In spending this sum it is much wiser not to attempt to stretch the planting over too extensive an area, but rather to make each part perfect in itself. Be sure to buy your trees and shrubs from reliable sources. A good buyer looks over the plants carefully to make cer­tain that each one is compact and vigorous. It is important not to introduce too great a variety of evergreens in the planting scheme, but rather to have each kind well represented, otherwise the planting would be too hetero­geneous, which would give a confused effect. This does not apply to plants that are columnar or globular in shape. These should be used sparingly, as mentioned earlier in this chapter. Since each case presents an individual problem, it is not practical to give specific advice.

Take care of the key planting first of all; this is usually along the foun­dation of the house. Evergreens are unsurpassed for tying the house to the ground; they give an exceptionally handsome setting—in fact they bring about a real metamorphosis. A touch of deciduous material introduced into the evergreen planting gives a light note. It adds interest and beauty because of the contrast in habit of growth and color of foliage that it pro­vides. Flowering shrubs which are conspicuous for their blooms, berries, and autumn coloration are excellent for this purpose.

A foundation planting that is not overcrowded enhances the lines of the house.
Photo: Paul E. Genereux

Photo: \/UFxrkmá Company

Sometimes only one shrub on each side of the front door is required for emphasis. In this instance, lower-growing Yews have been selected.

Arrange your planting so that it will give a well-balanced effect. To illustrate this point, the foundation planting along the house wall should not be more massive on one side of the front door than it is on the other side of the front door, since this would give a lopsided effect and the result would be poor balance.

As a rule, the front door is the focal point and it should be featured with an attractive planting on each side. The first evergreen that comes to mind for this salient position is Dwarf Box, the much loved Box of old-time gardens. Box has held its place through the ages as a plant of distinction. If this species is not hardy in your locality, Korean Box (Buxus muroþhylla koreana) is a lovely bush which attains a height of about 2 feet, and it has the advantage of being hardier.
Northern gardeners will also find one of the Japanese Hollies to be a satisfactory substitute for Dwarf Box because these plants are hardier. Some of the best species for this situation are Convex-leaved Japanese Holly and Littleleaf Japanese Holly. Upright growing species of Yews are also excellent selections, and their rich green shade never changes. One of the lower-growing evergreen Privets, such as Ligustrum japonicum var. ciliatum or L. jaþonicum var. coriaceum are also suit­able for this purpose; furthermore, they will grow in sun or shade.

Plìtilo: H. Armstrong Roberts Tall-growing and low-growing evergreens, deciduous trees, and the many flowers including Azaleas make this an enticing garden spot.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland A well-secluded spot for relaxing, sunbathing, and entertaining has been designed with a handsome boundary planting of evergreens of various forms and textures.

When a touch of color can be introduced, this always adds interest. Of course the color of the house will determine the shade of the flowers you use. If the house is built of red brick, a white flowering evergreen will avoid a clash of colors; if the exterior of the house is painted white, or if it is con­structed of gray stone, a colorful variety will give a sharper contrast. If space permits, Camellia japonica is a particularly effective kind to use with its showy double blooms. It can be kept within bounds by pruning. Nothing is lovelier than the Snow Azalea which bears large white flowers at tulip time. Another useful evergreen for this location is Pieris japonica, with its pendulous clusters of creamy-white blooms that appear in early spring. You will find, however, that pastels harmonize more readily than the brighter hues.

Under the windows dwarf growers are splendid, and they avoid the effort of constant pruning to keep them within bounds. In the case of windows close to the ground—also in restricted planting beds on patios— ground covers are often the answer. Among these English Ivy, Pachysandra, Periwinkle and Sarcococca hookeriana humilis qualify extremely well. If there is space for plants with a little more height, then Skimmia japonica, one of the dwarf Hollies, or a dwarf conifer will fill the need.

An Atlas Cedar near the front door has been headed high in order not to obstruct the light and air from the house. It provides a definite note of aesthetic value. (Garden of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Randall.)

Along the boundary of the place a combination of the taller-growing and lower-growing evergreens gives more complete seclusion than any other kind of plant material, and provides an all-year-round line of demar­cation. The taller-growing kinds are excellent for the background, and the dwarf types are used as facers. The variation in line they give adds to the effect.

Photo: Paul E. Gmereux
A closely planted boundary of evergreens gives privacy and pleasure all year round. The unbroken lawn center adds to the peaceful dignity of this composition.

Photo: J. Horace McFarland Evergreens combined with flowers give color to this informal outdoor living area.

In many suburban communities houses are built on small lots. Under these conditions landscaping is often difficult. When a good neighbor policy can be adopted, this sometimes turns out to be a solution to the problem of restricted space for garden-making. By co-operating in a plan with your next-door neighbor a landscape effect can be developed that will be of mutual benefit. This can be done by treating the two places as a unit in developing the planting plan. The result will be a more spacious, open garden. Under such conditions a planting may be made along the bound­aries, disregarding the dividing line between the two properties. I have seen the results of just such a joint effort; two families of my acquaintance treated their properties as a unit.

The entrance to the property is an important spot to feature. Large groupings of evergreens on each side of the drive give it substantial emphasis, or, if space is limited, one lovely specimen will answer the pur­pose. If you live where traffic is a consideration, remember the advisability of using lower-growing plants that do not obstruct the view of oncoming cars. The low spreading Yew (Taxus repandens) is particularly well suited as an accent plant for this use, and it develops into a broad plant with graceful lines. Dwarf Junipers are another choice to make, provided the location is in the full sun.

No matter how small your garden may be the outdoor living area is one of the most important parts of the grounds. Making it intimate, inviting, and well-put-together in every detail will give untold pleasure through the years. Evergreens again are invaluable in this connection. They rate high in decorative value, and all-year-round effect. Then, too, in these days when time for gardening is reduced to a minimum, a planting that consists chiefly of woody ornamentals solves, to a large extent, the problem of upkeep.

This charming courtyard garden is brought out dramatically with a handsome planting of evergreen trees that tower above the retaining wall. (Garden of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Randall.)

Photo: Paul E. Genereux
The restful motif of this alluring terrace garden provides a delightful living area.

Planning the green garden is an intriguing venture because the results are so satisfying and rewarding. Start the garden by making a definite en­closure of a fence, a hedge, or a wall; this will unify the garden and will make it more intimate. As previously mentioned, in planting the borders around the enclosure, remember to keep the taller-growing evergreens in the background and the lower-growing kinds in the foreground; the front line should be undulating and graceful to avoid stiffness. In selecting the plant material for the green garden, do not fail to introduce some deciduous kinds to lighten the solidity of the evergreen effect. For example, the yellow flowers of Forsythia, or the pink blooms of the Flowering Almond stand out beautifully against an evergreen background. The blossoms of the pink and the white Flowering Dogwood are strikingly lovely when combined with the rich tones of the evergreens. If your lot is small you will be wise to re­strict the planting to the boundary, and to leave the lawn unbroken. This gives a feeling of more space, and the simple motif of the turf ideally sets off the surrounding planting.

Raised beds are justly gaining in popularity, and they introduce a defi­nite touch of the unusual. From the practical point of view gardening is made easier because tiresome back straining and kneeling on the ground are eliminated. From the aesthetic point of view the plants are set off admirably. Raised beds may easily be constructed against a wall; in gardens of ample dimensions all the beds can be raised. However, because of their prominence, great care should be exercised in placing beds of this kind. The bed can be held in place with railroad ties, brick, stone, concrete, or cinder blocks; if the latter are used they should be tinted a shade that will blend with the color of the house. In fact, whatever material is used to retain the bed should harmonize with that of the house; unless the struc­ture is far enough from the house to permit it to be treated independently. Dwarf evergreens in variety are excellent for this type of bed.

This shady city garden has real appeal. The raised bed filled with evergreens breaks the height of the wall and gives character to this simple, well-integrated composition.
Photo: Paul E. Genereux

Photo: Jeannette Grossman; Landscape Architect: Arthur W. Erfoldl
This terrace on a busy city street is given privacy by planting the bank above the garden wall with evergreens.

They can be used by themselves or combined with low-growing perennials or annuals. Trailing rock plants planted along the border tumble gracefully over the retaining wall and add a cheerful note of spring color.

A valuable contribution to any garden is to have a focal point of interest; this may be a garden seat, a sundial, a bird bath, a pool, or a piece of statuary. When such a feature is to be placed in the boundary planting, it may stand in front of a slightly curved arc of evergreens provided especially for it. This background will blend it into the composition, and will empha­size it attractively.

A wooded area on the property can sometimes be taken advantage of for developing a charming nook for outdoor living. This can be accomplished by clearing away the underbrush, and thinning out any trees that are over­crowded and that obstruct the clearing. A suitable flooring may be made of tanbark, flagstone, or brick. Give this area a naturalistic setting by bordering it with informal groupings of broad-leaved evergreens, as for example, Rhododendrons, Laurel, Inkberry, and Drooping Andromeda which will be in keeping with the woodland. A simple development of this kind will provide a spot of beauty, as well as a cool retreat on hot summer days.

If you have a terrace that stands slightly above the turf level, a planting of dwarf evergreens at the base, or a well-clipped edging of your favorite ground cover will soften its lines and blend it into its surroundings.

Evergreens are ideal for screening the utilitarian parts of the place, such as the drying yard, the compost pile, and the trash cans. Still another use of these invaluable plants is to enclose the children's playground. A path can play its part in the planting scheme if it is bordered on each side with a ground cover or one of the low-growing evergreens. A single evergreen, or a clumping of three plants in a triangle each side of the path at one or both ends, will serve to accent the walk.

Photo: Paul E. Genereux
A background of evergreen and deciduous trees provides an attractive setting for lower-growing evergreens. Azaleas have been selected for the foreground of this enchanting garden planting.

The sharply curved lines of the planting have been planned expertly to give good design to this green garden. (Garden of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Nelson.)

If your lawn is a spacious one, frequently a handsome specimen planted alone will break the monotony of a large turf area. In such a location there will be ample space for the tree to develop to its fullest extent. The beauty of such a specimen placed where it can be enjoyed from a picture window will add winter cheer—and give pleasure at all seasons. A Holly tree laden with berries, or a Southern Magnolia with its magnificient white flowers, is lovely for this purpose.

If you are fortunate enough to have a vista of sea or land, a row of ever­greens planted on each side of a broad turf walk leading to it will not only frame the view but will definitely enhance it. If there is no natural vista, a planting of this kind can be made to lead to an axis which is created. This focal point may be a planting of evergreens to serve as a background for a pool with its fountain, a lovely piece of statuary, or a grouping of garden furniture.

Photo: Anita M. E. Boiling
A Box hedge on each side of a broad turf walk leads to an attractive axis at the far end. This has been developed by planting a semi-circular hedge of well-sheared Hemlock that serves as a background for a charming figure. A closely planted, well-pruned row of Crab Apples flanks each side of the walk. A nearby grouping of Hemlocks brings this feature into its surroundings. An illusion of greater distance has been created by slightly narrowing the walk and thicken­ing the planting as they approach the far end of this attractive garden picture. (Garden of Mr. and Mrs. W. Beaumont Whitney.)

Do not overlook the rock garden that is a riot of bloom every spring. The flowers will be brought out vividly if a few dwarf evergreens are placed at irregular intervals in the planting. Likewise the flower garden is set off to full advantage when there is a background of a well-pruned evergreen hedge.
And so it is that evergreens contribute a full measure of beauty to every part of the garden composition.

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