Water Lilies And How To Grow Them Including The Proper Making Of Ponds PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV Pond Surroundings, Windbreaks And Accessory Plants The aquatic garden must be protected from the wind and, unless some form of windbreak is alreadyin existence, one must be made, especially if the site is near the sea or a lake, or on an open plain. The windbreak also prevents the too rapid evaporation of the water which is likely to be very injurious to plants near the margin. HEDGES FOR SMALL PONDS For smaller ponds a low hedge of privet will answer all requirements, but for a large pond, or where there is a series of successive ponds, the windbreaks must be composed of trees, supplemented by groups of shrubbery. In any case the hedge must be placed so that the ponds are in no way shaded. A distance of at least five hundred yards from the pond is necessary for the windbreaks. CONIFERS FOR WINDBREAKS Evergreens form the most important class of windbreaks. Among them, the Norway spruce {Picea excelsa) is universally recognised as the best for this purpose. Not only is it perfectly hardy in the northern United States and adapted to almost any soil, but its symmetrical proportions and rapid growth recommend it especially. Provided the trees are trimmed yearly, this spruce can be used equally well as a hedge. Left to itself, the Norway spruce may attain a height of 150 feet, but long before this, at the age of about thirty years, it will be advisable to replace the trees since they become open at the bottom. There are dwarf varieties to be had. P. polita, on account of its slow growth, is well adapted to use in small gardens. Other hardy spruces which make a pleasing appearance, are P. pungens and P. alba. The latter endures heat and drought very well, differing in this respect from the Sitka spruce (P. Sitchensis), and which, .