Chapter XV: Trees and Shrubs for Wind-Swept Gardens

Few trees and shrubs are happy in bleak and exposed gardens. The hardiest should be used to form a shelter belt, as every leaf and twig helps to break the force of the wind, whereas solid obstacles, such as walls, merely serve to divert its course. In planting spots much exposed to the wind, put the trees much closer than it is intended they should remain permanently, as the young plants serve to shelter one another, and encourage, therefore, a quicker growth. When they get crowded, gradually thin them out. The trees and shrubs should always come from exposed nurseries, as the growth is stout and sturdy. Growth made in warm valleys is more sappy. The following trees and shrubs can be depended upon in most windy places:--

TREES

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) and Acer Pseudo-platanus (Sycamore).
While not equal to some of the trees mentioned, these Maples do
well in many places and form a distinct feature.

Betula alba (Common Birch). An extremely graceful tree and a universal
favourite.

Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn). The principal effect of exposure is
to make the growth more stunted than would otherwise be the case.

Fagus sylvatica (Beech). Long recognised as a good shelter tree, its
value in this respect is increased by the fact that many leaves
often shrivel on the branches instead of dropping, thus giving
additional protection in winter.

Fraxinus Excelsior (Ash). The wide-spreading roots of this anchor it
securely in position, and the leaves do not weigh down the branches
to any great extent.

Ilex Aquifolium (Holly). Though of slow growth when young, this, when
once established, grows away freely and is indifferent to wind.

Larix europaea (Larch). This is well known as a nurse tree for bleak
places.

Picea (Abies) excelsa (Norway Spruce). One of our commonest Conifers,
hence it is often used as a nurse tree for choicer subjects.

Pinus austriaca (Austrian Fir). The best of all evergreens for bleak
places; Pinus Cembra (Swiss Stone Pine), of slow growth, but very
ornamental, and does not mind the wind.

Pinus Laricio (Corsican Pine, or Black Pine). As indifferent to exposure
as P. austriaca, P. montana (dwarf), and P. sylvestris (Scotch Fir),
a well-known native, which often crowns high hill-tops.

Populus alba (Abele), P. fastigiata (Lombardy Poplar), P. deltoidea
(Canadian Poplar), P. nigra (Black Poplar), and P. tremula (Aspen).
In low-lying districts all these Poplars are of rapid growth, but in
exposed places they make much slower progress. Even then they grow
quicker than most shelter plants, and are valuable for making an
effective display more quickly than some of the more permanent
subjects. These can all be readily cut back within reasonable limits
if desired.

Quercus Robur (Oak).

Robinia Pseudacacia. The false Acacia is one of the best town trees we
have; indeed, it does well almost everywhere.

Salix alba (White Willow). This will pass unscathed through fierce
storms. In fairly dry spots the rate of progress is much slower than
in moister soil, but, as a set-off, the silvery hue of the foliage
is more pronounced.

Ulmus (Elm). The best of the Elms for this purpose is the Wych Elm, and
one known as the Wheatley is also good.

SHRUBS

Atriplex Halimus (Sea Purslane). A silvery-leaved, free-growing shrub,
indifferent to soil or situation.

Berberis (the Barberry). The best of these are the strong-growing
Berberis aristata, and the common Berberis vulgaris, with its
several varieties.

Colutea arborescens (Bladder Senna). The golden flowers in early summer
and the large inflated seed-pods in autumn are both attractive.

Cotoneaster buxifolia, Nummularia, and Simonsii. These are all pretty
berry-bearing shrubs.

Cytisus albus (White Broom), Cytisus scoparius (Yellow Broom), and its
varieties.

Deutzia crenata flore-pleno. A handsome flowering shrub and the most
robust of its class.

Euonymus europaeus (Spindle tree). The fruits of this are very
ornamental in the autumn.

Halimodendron argenteum (Siberian Salt Bush). A pretty rambling shrub,
with silvery leaves.

Juniperus communis and J. Sabina (Savin). The fact that these Junipers
are evergreen is a point in their favour.

Ligustrum ovalifolium, ovalifolium elegantissimum, and vulgare. These
Privets are well known for planting where the conditions are none
too favourable.

Lycium chinense (Box Thorn). A rambling shrub holding its own almost
anywhere.

(_The avenue is quarter-mile long, planted in 1868; average height of trees 60 feet and 45 feet apart._)]

Osmanthus of sorts. Holly-like evergreen shrubs.

Philadelphus coronarius (Mock Orange). Though less showy than some
others, this is decidedly the hardiest.

Phillyraea decora (vilmoriniana). A valuable evergreen with deep-green,
leathery leaves.

Pinus (Mountain Pine). This member of the Fir family is but a shrub in
stature. It is at home in bleak spots.

Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil). A low shrub that produces its
golden blossoms in July and August.

Prunus Laurocerasus rotundifolia. One of the hardiest forms of the
Common Laurel.

Rosa canina (Dog Rose) and Rosa rubiginosa (Sweetbriar) are general
favourites.

Rubus (Bramble). The cut-leaved, the double white, and double pink are
ornamental.

Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom). However bleak, this will produce its
comparatively large pea-shaped blossoms throughout the summer.

Staphylea pinnata (Bladder Nut). The bladder-like seed-capsules are
striking in the autumn.

Symphoricarpus racemosus (Snowberry). Grows anywhere, and produces its
large white berries in great profusion.

Ulex europaea (Common Furze). The double form of this is remarkably
showy.

Viburnum Opulus (Guelder Rose). A pretty native shrub.

(_Avenue is about quarter-mile long, planted in 1866. All seedling trees, hence some difference in growth and colour._)]