GIFT OF
Large Norway Maples moved for Mr. Clarence H. Mackey, Roslyn, L. I. We moved about one hundred of these trees on the Hicks Patent Tree Mover in 1901-2. They were 12-16 in. in diameter, 30-36 ft. high, and 25-33 ft. broad. Four rows were planted bordering the entrance avenue and trimmed to symmetrical form.
EDITION 1908
Westbury 3\Curseries
HicJ^s Patent Tree-Movers
LANDSCAPE PROBLEMS
A DISTINCT HELP. — See index for the illustrations and paragraphs giving solutions of landscape problems, — how to get immediate shade for the house, — to screen the service court, — to have a home supply of fruit, — to have a hardy flower garden, — to immediately and permanently screen unsightly buildings, — to plant at the seaside, etc., etc.
ISAAC HICKS & SON
EDWARD HICKS •• HENRY HICKS
Westbury Station, Nassau County, Long Island, New York
Telephone 68 Westbury
Illustrated by photographs of trees which we have moved, and of places most of which were planted with stock from the Westbury tNjirseries
CoKvright, 1908, by Isaac Hick* & Son
Large Norway Maple moved in 1901 for Mr. W. D. Guthrie, Locust Valley, L. 1. The site was cleared from a dense forest and about 50 large trees were moved in. This tree was then about 14 inches in diameter, J3 feet high and 30 feet spread.
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, 5Y- Y.— Preface
PREFACE
HIS is a different nursery. It fills a wider range of landscape needs. It saves more years of your lifetime. It offers trees which more accurately fit the requirements of your soil and climate.
Over fifty years ago the Westbury Nurseries were founded by Isaac Hicks. The constant aim has been to fit Long Island, recognizing its marked difference from the mainland in geology, soil, drainage, ocean influence, humidity, severe winds, drought, peculiar agricultural and suburban conditions.
Our Nurseries may be reached by the good stone and gravel roads for which Nassau county is famous. Westbury station is twenty-two miles from Long Island City on the main line of the Long Island railroad. It has over twenty trains per day. Many visit our Nurseries by taking a hack from Mineola, with forty- three trains per day, whereby a half-day trip can be easily arranged. Mineola has lines of trolley to Roslyn and Port Washington, to Hyde Park and Jamaica, to Hempstead, thence in two directions to Queens and Jamaica, and to Freeport, Lynbrook, Rockville Center, Valley Stream and Jamaica.
Planting Seasons. The spring season commences about March I to 10, when the frost is nearly out of the ground. For deciduous trees and shrubs it continues to about May 10, but many trees and shrubs can be moved later than that by stripping off the foliage or by taking them with a ball of earth. Evergreen trees can be moved in the spring and during May and June, because they are taken with a ball of earth. For evergreens, August and September are also excellent months, a fact but little known, but which should be widely utilized, as it enables many to plant who cannot get all accomplished in the spring. Large ever- greens, 8 to 40 feet high, are safely moved with balls of earth any week in the year. (See, also, evergreens, page 29.)
Hardv flowers can be planted in spring, and we have no trouble in making them live, even after they have started growth in May and June, for they are taken up with a good-sized. mass of earth on the roots. September and October are excellent months for planting these hardy flowers, as they get well established before winter.
Deciduous trees are moved in the autumn, from the time the leaves ripen in September until hard freezing of the ground in late December or January. A month can be added to the usual planting season by starting in September and stripping off the leaves. It makes no difference whether the foliage is stripped off by hand, or whether it is taken off a few weeks later by the frost. The moving of deciduous trees can continue all winter by mulching the trees and the sites to keep out the frost.
Fall planting is not advised with Magnolias, Tulip, Liquidambar, and a few other varieties, unless they have balls of earth. The reason is that some have soft, spongy bark on the roots, which decays unless the ground is warm as in April, so that new growth can take place immediately.
Kindly remember this: The time of the year for transplanting is not one-tenth as important as people imagine it. Permanent fitting of trees to the conditions is the most important. We attend to both.
Tree-Planting, Tree-Moving, Spraying and Pruning. We furnish competent foremen and men for various kinds of horticultural work on Long Island and elsewhere. We wish to limit it mostly to planting stock from our Nursery and to moving large trees.
BUSINESS TERMS
Prices and Delivery. Prices on ordinary-sized nursery stock are usually for stock dug and loaded at the Nursery. Delivery by wagon is charged according to distance and expense. Stock to be shipped by freight or express will be carefully packed in straw bales and boxes charged at cost. Delivery to railroad is free, where our responsibility ceases.
Large trees on a tree-mover, and large evergreens, are priced as follows: (i) To include delivery and planting in hole prepared by us; (2) to include delivery and planting when hole is prepared and assistance rendered by purchaser; or, (3) delivery and planting charged by the day.
Landscape Plans. The charge for landscape plans, consultation and supervision is made according to the time and expense or price previously agreed upon.
Terms of Payment. NET CASH. Accounts will be subject to sight draft sixty days from the date of shipment. Unknown correspondents should send satisfactory reference or cash with order. Money orders may be obtained for Westbury Station, Nassau County, New York.
We desire that all our customers be fully satisfied, and wish to be promptly notified of any errors that they may be rectified. We do not agree to consider complaints later than ten days after delivery.
True to Name. Without boasting infallibility, we warrant our stock true to name and will replace any that may prove otherwise or refund the original price, but we will not be held responsible for more than the original price of the trees.
Substitution. Late in the season we may be out of some varieties and sizes of fruit and other trees, and will substitute similar varieties and sizes unless otherwise ordered.
Guarantee. The living of trees is largely dependent upon conditions of weather and after-care beyond the nurseryman's control, therefore we do not guarantee trees to live after leaving the Nursery in good condition, without previous agreement and special price. If guarantee is desired, customers are requested to so state when asking prices.
Address all orders to Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, Nassau County, New York. Local and long-distance telephone, 68 Westbury. Telegraphic address, Westbury Station, New York.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Landscape
Landscape Architecture
HENRY HICKS, Cornell University, College of Agriculture
HAROLD TRUESDEL PATTERSON, of Harvard School of Landscape Architecture
ARNOLD P. KOHLER, Civil Engineer
O those desiring landscape advice we offer our services for all classes of artistic work in connection with the landscape development of grounds surrounding private dwellings in city, or suburbs, or country; on new estates, or the renovation of old estates, either large or small ; parks, and landscape forestry ; and to make detailed reports on special problems in connection with landscape architecture.
The method of procedure necessitates a visit of examination, to
determine the proper treatment of the property, as the location and orientation of the house, stable and outbuildings ; subdivisions, as lawn, flower and vegetable gardens, service and laundry courts ; the courses of the drives and walks ; the arrange- ment of groves of trees and shrubbery for the beauty of form and color in the house picture, in framing distant views, and in screening objectionable features from sight. Plans, specifications, estimates and superintendence of construction are furnished in connection with this work.
It is obviously clear that the Landscape Architect should be employed from the beginning, to give the dwelling the proper relation to views, divisions of the property, necessary approaches, natural drainage and prevailing winds. The house should be placed to fit the ground, and all approaches, divisions and views should be planned for before the house is built. The ideal design makes a single unit or composition of the house and all the parts surrounding it ; the house fits the grounds ; the drives and paths approach correctly ; and the various other buildings are arranged to suit the peculiar needs of that particular place. Convenience and beauty are the primary qualities of a good design.
We can lay the foundation of this work for you by submitting plans and advice, for the present and future, for the working out of a definite and tangible ideal to- ward which all steps may progress.
Landscape Forestry as applied to Long Island conditions is the slow and sytem- atic development of the trees in the closely growing, monotonous woods into a di- versified and interesting forest of wide-spreading trees, which show the characteristic beauty of their species. This development of the woodland is obtained through judicious selection of the trees to remain as the future forest, and gradually pre- paring them for changed conditions. These are naturally those kinds best suited to produce the picturesque results suggested by the situation. The aim is to obtain the fullest degree of forest beauty under existing conditions.
There are many excellent residential sites, now shut in and unattractive, which may be developed in three to five years by Landscape Forestry and by clearing the woods for future lawns, vistas and breezeways.
We are prepared to make reports on landscape problems, forestry, seaside plant- ing and horticultural questions.
The fees for these services are reasonable, varying with the classes and con- ditions of work.
ISAAC HICKS & SON
'Westbury Station, Long Island, New York
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Landscape
The above Planting Plan is a simple working plan which shows a complete planting design of trees and shrubs arranged for the needs of this particular piece of property. The circles represent trees, and the large, irregular areas are groups of shrubbery composed of harmonious shrubs in the various numbered sections.
The planting list which accompanies each such plan gives in detail the contents of the groups. In this way a definite scheme of planting is arranged at the outset, and, if it be more than one desires to plant at once, the ultimate arrangement may be arrived at by planting a portion of it each spring and fall.
We can make such a plan for you, and your gardener can plant it.
Large European small-leaved Linden moved in 1893 for Mr. Thomas Hitchcock, Jr. The tree screens the kitchen and laundry yard. An old farm-house was added to and extended out beyond an old grove of trees. This tree was moved from our place to balance the landscape composition. Size, when moved, about 14 inches in diameter, 36 feet high and 28 feet spread.
6
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Mobing Large Trees 1
Moving of Large Deciduous Trees
We have developed this to a permanent success, as demonstrated by the numerous photographs in this Catalogue and by two or three thousand large trees we can show. It is as sure an investment as the planting of ordinary-sized trees. In fact, our records show that it is much more certain.
This result has been accomplished by persistent, scientific and mechanical work during the past thirty years. It has been made possible by the large number of patrons of landscape art who have been willing to go to the expense of quickly com- pleting the beauty and comfort of their country residences by planting large trees. Another factor is the good roads, permitting a long haul of heavy trees. Another is the sandy subsoil, free from rock, which permits the growth on Long Island of numerous fibrous roots and their preservation by methods of digging which we have invented.
Our success is due to many factors which it is impossible to accurately define, but which result in the ability to decide the com- parative difficulty of moving vari- ous trees. We are frequently called on to move a certain tree. It re- requires some financial courage to decline profitable work, but it has proved good business and horti- cultural practice.
The wide system of roots is a unique part of our method which is especially essential to the best im-
One of the Hicfys ' Patent Tree-Movers. — We have invented the method of digging which preserves the small feeding roots. The roots have a spread of 30 or 40 feet. After digging, the tree is grasped by the hinged cradle and swung over horizontally by a screw. In this position, trees may pass under electric wires.
mediate and permanent growth of the tree. We do not know of any other system of large-tree-moving which employs it. It is the principal reason for the expense of the work. A little calculation will show why it is so. A broad-leaved tree, as Maple, Elm, Oak or Linden, has an immense surface of foliage constantly evaporating. There comes a time of drought with hot sun and drying winds when the soil is dry. Moisture must be drawn from a wide area, or else the tree will drop its foliage or allow some of the branches to die. By our system, there are roots drawing moisture from the whole circle of 30 or more feet in diameter.
There is a popular opinion which we run against in many parts of the country where unscientific methods of moving large trees have been practised, that large trees live a year or more, but become ragged and thin, and either are unsightly for several years or die after struggling a few seasons. This is based on the method of moving deciduous trees over 10 inches in diameter, 25 feet high and 20 feet spread, with less than 8 feet spread of roots. Six or 8 feet spread of roots may be just sufficient for some easily trans- planted species not over 8 inches in diameter, 25 feet high and 15 feet spread, but it does not lead to sure or vigorous growth. Our method has at least ten times as great an area for moisture supply, as can be seen by comparing the area of an 8-foot circle with one of 30 feet.
This explanation should silence the statement, "Big trees cannot be moved; They always die; It doesn't pay; They are always stunted; Small trees overtake them." However, as erroneous ideas die slowly, we expect to repeat this explanation and show the proofs for many years to come.
To any one in doubt, who wishes evidence before undertaking large tree-moving, we offer to show them, by an automobile trip around this region, several hundred large trees that are vigor- ously growing at full normal density. We can show the locations of some failures and the reasons why. How to Order. Decide what you need large trees for, and look through this Catalogue for trees offered which may fill that requirement, or write us, stating your needs. A visit here is a help and so is a visit on our part to your place.
We can deliver large trees by tree-movers,
Illustrating root-system of 100 avenue trees moved for over the roads, to any part of the western half of Mr. Clarence H. Mackey Long Island. We can ship, by rail, large deciduous
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.—Mobing Large Trees
trees up to 30 feet high and 20 feet spread of top. Such trees can also be delivered by truck to northern New Jersey and Westchester county. A group of such trees will often give more shade or screen than a single larger tree, and do it at less expense.
If you wish us to look up trees for moving into your place, we can do this and make a report with photographs of trees available. The distance from which trees can be moved in is much greater than people imagine. They often think the supply is limited to two or three miles, when better trees, at slightly greater expense, can be procured at ten or twenty miles.
If you have a certain tree you wish moved, or wish to sell us, send the species, circumference at 3 feet, the spread of branches and approximate height; soil, if loamy, sandy, clayey or rocky; distance to be moved; obstructions, as wires, sidewalks and banks. We can then give a preliminary report and decide whether a personal visit is advisable. We have seen so many mistakes made in selection of trees to be moved that we must decline to omit this visit of inspection on the score of economy.
We do the work by contract or by day's work, with or without guarantee, as may be arranged. It is often practical to employ some local labor and teams in preparing the hole, etc. The operation of moving a large tree is a surgical one, and consists of dissecting out the fine feeding roots and re-arranging enough of them to support the tree. The ways and means of doing this require skill and training and the ability and machinery to cope with various conditions which may arise. No one machine or method suffices. We have a large number of different sizes and types of machines and apparatus, and our men are trained in the methods which must be used to safely handle various species and sizes of trees and to overcome the difficulties of transporting and moving them. It is not practical to say just how large a tree can be moved; it depends on the obstructions on the road more than any other factor. We frequently move trees up to 24 inches in diameter, 60 feet high and 40 feet spread.
The operation of moving a large deciduous tree consists, first, of dissecting out the fine feeding roots over a circle approximately as wide as the top. In the center there is left a ball of earth 5 to 10 feet in
diameter. After a tree is loosened from the subsoil, it is attached by the trunk to the cradle of the tree- mover by two chains and turn- buckles, which grasp the trunk. The bark is protected by cushions and slats. The tree is laid over to a horizontal position by swinging the cradle by the screw and by rope and tackle. The roots on the side nearest the ground are bent back under the axle and tied up to the frame of the mover. A full circle of roots is thus preserved. The front axle does not swing round to break these lower roots because the wheels are on pivots ,like an automobile. To go on the road, the roots are parted to insert the seat and pole, and the tops and roots are bent down to go under electric wires. When the roots are to be out of the ground for a day or more, they are wrapped to lessen drying.
Ready for ihe Road. — The tree is loaded with shortest branches and roots on top, so it can go under electric wires, which are lifted by a T-pole. Four to eight horses or traction engine, broad tires, and planks over lawns, enable heavy trees to be moved. Rope and tackle or windlass are also used in diffi- cult places.
The preparation for planting usually consists in preparing a hole as wide as the roots, say 25 to 33 feet and I K to 2 feet deep for a small area in the center about 8 feet across. The balance of the hole may be 8 to 12 inches deep.
In planting, it is best to pack the earth in and around the central roots and then spread out the side roots and plant them at different depths near the surface. The soil should not be too rich in organic matter, or it may turn sour and rot the roots. It is also necessary to see that the ground does not get water-soaked, for this would have the same effect. Under-draining, in heavy soil, is advisable. Examining the soil about the roots to see its condition should be a guide for watering. Watering once a week, with one inch of water, is a safer rule than watering every day, for the latter has killed trees. The surface of the ground had best be kept mulched for the first two years by either a dust mulch, produced by hoeing 3 inches deep once in two weeks, or by mulching with 4 inches of a strawy manure or leaves. Trees have been killed by too much manure, which sours the ground and excludes the air.
The Moving of Large Evergreen Trees
The methods we have developed for moving large evergreen trees differ from those explained for deciduous trees. The essential is a large ball of earth. The ball of earth is necessary because evergreen trees are constantly evaporating, and also because the roots of evergreens, if bare of earth, become quickly dried out and, because of their resinous sap, dp not again take up moisture and live. To hold this ball of earth, we have invented a unique and economical apparatus for clamping the earth firmly and cutting off the ball from the subsoil. The roots outside of the ball of earth are bent around against the ball and pre- served.
The question may be asked, why we move an evergreen tree with less spread of roots than a deciduous tree. The reason has been carefully determined by the German scientific foresters. A Pine, Cedar, or other coniferous evergreen, will use from one-fifth to one-tenth as much water per year as a broad-leaved tree,
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.—Mol?ing Large Trees 9
The effects of the venerable Italian Gardens are reproduced with old Red Cedars moved by methods of our invention. These two views represent two vistas crossing in a circle of tall Cedars, similar to the Villa d'Este, in Italy. Garden of Mr. Stanley Mortimer, Wheatley Hills, L. I. Mr. Nathan F. Barrett, Landscape Architect.
10
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.~Mobing Large Trees
as Maple, Elm, or Oak, of the same weight. Evergreens usually live on drier ground than deciduous trees. Their narrow leaves have less chance for evaporation. The function of the resin is to check evaporation, therefore, while an evergreen needs a constant supply of moisture, it needs much less than a deciduous tree to successfully re-establish itself after transplanting.
We are able to economically load and transport these heavy trees, having invented several trucks for the purpose. One of them looks almost as strong as a freight car. In it the weight of the tree is about bal- anced on a steel shaft 4 in. in diameter, and the tree is swung over horizontally by two screws 9 ft. long.
The result of our work has been almost a uniform success. No one need hesitate on that score. For a small percentage, we will guarantee the trees not to die from transplanting.
The season for moving large evergreens is all the year. We endeavor to avoid moving large ever- greens during March, April and May. It is a good season for the work, but a large part of the deciduous trees and shrubs must be moved then, and the evergreen moving can be done equally well in August and September, and also during the winter.
Long Island must inevitably become an all-the-year-round suburban residence region. Evergreens are essential, both to privacy and to beauty of the landscape. We have available over 2,000 large evergreens ready for delivery, and it is possible to save ten to thirty years waiting. For further discussion of ever- greens, see that department on page 29.
We can ship evergreens up to 25 or 30 feet in height, by rail. They can be very safely shipped in this manner, because the ball of earth supplies moisture to the top.
We have supplies of large evergreens in several parts of the country and can make quotation on deliv- eries in carload lots.
We can look up a supply near a proposed planting, as mentioned under deciduous trees, and can send men and apparatus to move them.
In addition to those represented by photographs, the following are some for whom we have moved large deciduous trees, 12 to 24 inches in diameter of trunk, 25 to 65 feet high and spreading 20 to 45 feet, or large evergreen trees 1 8 to 35 feet high.
F. Lothrop Ames, North Easton, Mass.; Mrs. George T. Bliss, New York; Mrs. O. H. P. Belmont, Hemp- stead, L. I.; Winthrop Burr, Cedarhurst, L. I.; Robert L. Burton, Cedarhurst, L. I.; Arthur Brisbane, Hemp- stead, L. I.; Middleton, S. Burrill, Jericho, L. I.; Robert Bacon, Westbury, L. I.; Paul D. Cravath, Locust Val- ley, L. I.; Paul Dana, Dosoris, Glen Cove, L. I.; Lewis Eldridge, Hempstead, L\ I.; Albert Francke, Lawrence, L. I.; Garden City Co., Garden City, L. I.; William D. Guthrie, Locust Valley, L.I.; August Heckscher, Hun- tington, L. I.; Thomas Hitchcock, Jr., Westbury, L. I.; Clement S. Houghton, Newton, Mass.; George L. Hub- bell, Garden City, L. I.; Col. William Jay, Katonah, N. Y.; Marshall C. Lefferts, Lawrence, L. I.; Dr. D. H. McAlpin, Morris Plains, N. J.; Edward D. Morgan, Westbury, L. I.; Stanley Mortimer, Roslyn, L. I.; Clarence H. Mackey, Roslyn, L. I.; William G. Oakman, Roslyn, L. I.; A. A. Pope, Farmington, Conn.; R. H. McCar- ; John S. Phipps, Westbury, L. I.; Robert A. Pinkerton (The late), Bay Shore, L. I.;
Mrs. Elliott F. Shepherd, Scarboro, N. Y.; H. McKay Twombly, Madison, N. J.; R. B. Van Cortlandt, Mt. Kisco, N. Y.; William K. Vanderbilt, Jr., Great Neck, L. I.; William C. Whitney (The late), Westbury, L. I .; Robert Graves; Mrs. Frank Gray Griswold, Roslyn, L. I.; Jamestown Exposition, Norfolk, Va.; Henry Barton Jacobs, Newport, R. I.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Olmstead Brothers, Brookline, Mass.; Guy Lowell, Boston and New York; Warren H. Manning, Boston, Mass.; Rollin S. Saltus, 9 East 4ist St., N. Y.; Nathan F. Barrett, New Rochelle.
ter Potter, Andover, N. J.
Old Arborvitte Hedge moved from our Nursery for Mr. J. S. Phipps, Westbury, L. I., in January, 1907. The kitchen wing is screened, and therefore leaves the symmetry of the house undisturbed
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Molting Large Trees 11
Large White Pine and While Spruce moved for Mr. Clarence H. Mackey, Roslyn, L. I., in 1902. These screen the freight yard, hotel and sheds of the village. These trees when moved were 16 to 18 feet high, and have since grown rapidly. We have hundreds of similar trees ready for delivery.
i /••"*!.• "*.-.XV
Unparalleled opportunity to buy a beautiful old hedge equal to the Yew hedges of England. Why build a wall around a formal garden ? This Hemlock hedge is over thirty years old. It is 1 2x 1 2 feet, solid and dense and 400 feet long. It is prepared for moving by tree-mover and shipment by rail. We have other Hemlock hedges of smaller size.
12
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
The second season with large trees moved by Hicks Tree- Mover. Residence of Mr. H. McK. Twombly, Madison, N. J. Weeping Silver Linden. Note the dense and luxuriant growth. Size when moved, about 35 feet high and broad
Deciduous Trees
HE essential things that planters want are economical immediate results and best permanent results; both large and small trees that thrive, because they fit the various conditions of climate and soil: — two things never so thoroughly attained before.
An enthusiasm for good trees, together with a willingness to wait twenty years or more for them to grow, has resulted in handsome, large specimens which save the purchaser many years. "Burn it," is the customary rule when a tree is over 15 feet and not sold, because it is too large to box and ship. At Westbury Nurseries such trees were planted 10 to 20 feet apart, trained for suc- cessful transplanting, and encouraged to develop into perfect specimens.
An asset of greatest value to our customers is our knowledge of the botany of Long Island and the reasons for its distribution. They are climate, geology, soil, water supply and cultivation. Conditions vary within a few yards.
There is satisfaction to the tree and to all who behold it when it has been selected to fit its environment. This we will help you to do.
Andromeda • Sorrel Tree
Andromeda arborea. Slender and graceful as a birch, it can fill a narrow corner or go among the shrubs. The flowers are its crowning glory; long, curving racemes like drooping bouquets of lily- of-the-valley in midsummer when no other tree is in bloom. It is the first tree in autumn from which to pick a spray of carmine foliage. Plant this tree if you want to know one of nature's gems. Mix it with dogwood in the woodland borders, for it will be as harmonious here as in Virginia, where it is native.
Ash • Fraxinus
White. Fraxinus Americana. A tall, vigorous tree, growing in the shape of the Sugar Maple or Tulip Tree. A good street tree and especially valuable for groves on moist soils. This and the English Ash are good straight trees, and we recommend ours for real estate subdivisions where a cheap tree is wanted.
English. F. excelsior. A tree closely resembling the White Ash.
Beech • Fagus
English, or European. Fagus sylvatica. One of the few European trees perfectly at home here. In a grove of trees the eye rests with pleasure on the Beech. Its spirited outline of sharp-pointed branches relieves the dark, shadowy center. A tree with strength and grace in every line.
For screen planting, a grove of low-branched Beech, Hornbeam, Linden, Oak, Dogwood, Birch and Pine are more efficient and more dignified than the usual shrub border.
Rivers' Purple. F . sylvatica, var. pur pur ea River sii. Deep purple in spring, changing to dark green. This and the Purple Norway and Japanese Maples are the best of the purple-foliaged trees.
Fern-Leaf. F. sylvatica, var. heterophylla. In the older Newport gardens the Fern-Leaf Beech is evidently the most highly prized tree. When carefully kept from crowding, it is as graceful as a great fern.
With its delicacy there is no weakness, but a wonderful beauty of lights and shadows between the sharp-pointed spray. Knowing that its value would be appreciated, we have grown a stock of good specimens.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
13
Beech, continued
Weeping. Fagus sylvatica, var. pendula. In Flushing there is a specimen that forms a tent 70 feet in diameter, — the pride of the place. A row of them would make a magni- ficent covered walk, and some large estate can make itself famous thereby. As an individual, it is a grotesque and solid pyra- mid of waving branches.
American. F. ferruginea. Native over a large part of Long Island, this noble tree is not so often planted as it should be. Its smooth, gray bark, never furrowed with age, makes it an attractive and cheerful object as it illuminates the wood.
Birch • Betula
White, or European. Betula alba. The most commonly known species, and one exten- sively planted. It has a slender trunk, clothed with white bark. We offer low- branched specimens, 30 feet high.
Canoe, or Paper. B. papyrifera. The white bark of this tree was used by Indians for canoes.
Cherry, Sweet, or Black. B. lenta. This makes a tall, broad-spreading tree, of vig- orous health. It has a smooth, reddish brown bark. We recommend our low- branched specimens for mass planting with Fern-Leaf Beech on the lawn of Mr. Chas. Steele, Westbury. It Pines and shrubs. is a pleasure to rest the eye on the lights and shades
Catalpa
Western. Catalpa speciosa. The large Catalpas in the illustration on page 14 will give immediate and beautiful results as shade trees and tall mass
The native White Birch ( B. populijolia ) is a graceful tree, quick to grow and sure to thrive in ground wet or dry. With pines, cedars and other evergreens they make beautiful groups. They help evergreens to grow in exposed places.
planting. They are 20 to 30 feet high, with sym- metrical tops. The Catalpa is a strong, vigorous tree, free from fungous or insect attacks. The leaves are large and the twigs wide apart, giving the tree an unusual largeness of detail. In flower it is the most showy tree. It is taller and straighter than the old "Smoking Bean Tree," or Southern Catalpa. These large Catalpas can be trans- planted later in spring than most other trees, often as late as May 15.
C. Bungei. C. bignonioides , var. nana. Bay Tree Form. For formal gardens and terraces this is used for the same effect as the expensive and tender Bay Tree, and costs much less. Catalpa Bungei standards are made by grafting the dwarf Catalpa on a tall stem and training into symmetrical form. It grows vigorously, forming a compact, globular head of large, overlapping leaves.
Shrub Form. See under Shrubs, page 55.
Cherry • Prunus
Those who know the Flowering Cherries go into
ecstasies over their flowers. There is good reason
for the Japanese making pilgrimages to the cherry
blossoms and hanging poetry upon their branches.
Pink Double-flowering Japanese. Prunus Pseudo
Cerasus, var. Sieboldi. This has flowers like a
beautifully frilled carnation.
Japanese Weeping Rose-flowered. P. pendula. This is like a delicate pink veil suspended in mid- air. The single flowers appear about a week before the Peach and are therefore welcomed with the first spring flowers.
Wild Black, P. serotina. The Wild Black Cherry, which has a grape-like bunch of fruit in August, is one of the healthiest foliaged plants for sea- side planting and an excellent drought resister. It is despised by farmers, for it first shows their neglect by growing up along the fences. It is a big round bush or tree.
14
Isaac Hicks & Son, West bury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
These big, old Catalpas are offered at low prices. They are strong, healthy, broad and shady. With Silver Maples, they will give the most foliage for the expenditure of any tree we offer.
Chestnut • Castanea
American. Castanea Americana. This is an important timber tree of Long Island ; in its maturity a majestic tree remarkable for the breadth and depth of its shade.
A serious fungous disease is killing the Chestnut trees in the forests of Long Island. It frequently kills 20 feet of the top or may work lower down on the trunk. It starts from a spore in a crotch or wound which sends out mycelium or threads of the fungus penetrating the bark next the wood. In a few months it girdles the branches and the leaves turn yellow and drop. A tree appar- ently healthy in June may be half-dead in August. The fungus produces spores in orange pustules or jelly horns on the dead bark. There is no treatment known, except to cut off affected branches and cut out dead bark on the trunk, and larger branches before they are girdled. Cut an inch or more beyond the edge.
In similar work on pear blight in Cali- fornia, it is advised to disinfect tools and wound with corrosive sublimate, one to one thousand. This remedy, painting the cuts with tar, and spraying with fungicides, have not been thoroughly tested. The cut-
American Chestnut, continued
ting is practical on isolated trees, but in the forest is very expensive.
Dr. Haven Metcalf, Division of Forest Pathology, United States Department of Agriculture, is experimenting along these lines in the young orchard of Mr. R. Dudley Winthrop, Westbury Station, L. I. In tnis orchard and that of Mr. Charles R. Steele, and in our Nursery, he finds the Japanese Chestnut immune.
The disease is new to science. Dr. Mur- rill, of The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Park, named it in 1906, Diaporthe parasitica. One hope is that, like many other plagues, it will go in waves and, later, largely disappear.
It may be a blessing in disguise. On many Long Island private estates the woodlands will be more beautiful if gradu- ally thinned out, according to the principles of landscape forestry described on page 4. Ninety-nine per cent of owners have not the knowledge, imagination and courage to do it. Now the diseased trees have to be cut, and the Oak, Hickory, Tulip and Dogwood will have a chance to develop into broad, handsome trees.
'Cut the trees before they rot. Take them to a saw-mill, or get a portable saw-mill to cut them into framing timber or other lum- ber. Show that Long Island is not entirely dependent on imported lumber. There is also a market as telephone poles or cord wood. Felling trees and dragging out logs does some damage to other trees, but it soon disappears.
The White Dogwood is one of the best for planting by the hundred. The broad palms of foliage make a picturesque outline with deep shadows.
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
15
Chestnuts, continued
Japanese. Castanea crenata. No more luxuriant tree has come to us from Japan. It has shining leaves, and is full and round, foliaged to the ground. The question is sometimes asked, "Can I plant Cherry, Peach and Pear trees in the lawn, and have them as ornamental shade trees?" Yes, but cultivation is better for them and their foliage is not certain to remain healthy. With nut trees it is advisable. Plant fifty Japanese Chestnuts instead of Deutzia, Spirea, Snowball, etc., in the shrub border, and they will make a denser screen of handsome foliage, always healthy. As a specimen lawn tree, it will make a sturdy little tree 20 feet high and equally wide. The nuts begin to ripen several weeks before the American. In Japan and Europe the Chestnut is a staple food. Plant Japanese Chestnuts and the Chinquapins in quantity to get nuts quickly as they bear in two or thrt years. The nuts are an inch in diameter, or larger; are good raw and excellent cooked, but not equal to the American in flavor.
We have grown a large quantity which we offer at low rates. Now that the American Chestnuts are dying, these should be ex- tensively planted. See under Nuts.
Chinquapin. C. pumila. A hardy shrub, bearing a profusion of sweet little nuts in early September.
Elm • Ulmus
American. Ulmus Americana. No tree of tem- perate climates exceeds the Elm in gracefulness and majesty. It likes a moist situation, but it will grow on any good soil. We have trees up to 55 feet high, with spread of roots and tops of 30 feet, ready for successful transplanting.
Weeping. U. Americana, var. pendula. The rapidity of growth of this variety is surprising, often 7 feet per season. It is a healthy, tall tree, open in form, with wide arched streamers, which
Dogwood ' Cornus
White - flowering. Cornus florida. The White Dogwood has the most showy flower of the native small trees. It thrives in the open lawn or in the shady forest where its large white flowers, arranged in horizon- tal groups, illuminate the dark nooks early in May. All summer its foliage is dense and healthy, and its red leaves and scarlet berries mark the first changes of autumn. Plant Dogwoods 8 to 12 feet apart among the taller shrubs. They make the best border to feather down the edge of newly cut forest. Give them more sunlight, and they will bloom profusely. In thinning thick woods for landscape forestry, leave groups of Dogwood, even if small and crooked. Plant the White Dogwood with the White Pine, White Oak, Tulip, White Birch, and you have a group that grows naturally together.
Red-flowering. C. florida, var. rubra. A beautiful little tree destined to have a wider popularity. It is a gem worthy to rank with the Magnolias. New and rare is, in this case, synonomous with good. Plant a few of these and the Japanese Dogwood, and use them to graft in April, or bud in August on the wild Dogwood in the woods. A long step will then be taken in solving the problem of how to beautify the woods with harmonious planting.
Japanese. C. Kousa. Ignorance of its beauty is the only excuse for not planting this little tree. It is the counterpart of the White Dogwood in foliage and, therefore, harmonizes with the same surroundings. The chaste beauty of the white star-shaped flowers thickly covering the dark foliage surpasses any flowering tree of its season, which is a month later than any other. We have a large stock which is offered at low rates to introduce it.
The Japanese Chestnut will quickly make a broad, rounded and permanently healthy mass of foliage of this form and size. It fruits early and abundantly.
make a graceful outline against the sky both winter and summer. If the situation calls for a tree to vary the solidity of ordinary trees, plant the Weeping Elm. There is nothing ab- normal or depressing in its appearance.
Ginkgo • Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba ; syn., Salisburia adiaiitifolia.
This tree is destined to have many admirers when old specimens become known. In maturity it loses the ungainly awkwardness of growth and makes a handsome individual in pleasant con- trast to ordinary trees. Its nearly complete immunity from insect and fungus is unique. Storms do not break its branches, and it gives every promise of living 1,000 years here, as in the Japanese temple gardens.
Hickory • Hickoria ; syn., Gary a
Mockernut. Hickoria tomentosa. A big, square- shouldered, long-lived tree. On the drier parts of Long Island this and some of the Oaks are the largest trees.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. /.— Deciduous Trees
Ginkgo at Great Neck, L. I. This has passed the lank and gawky youthful stage, and gives promise of reaching the dignity and grandeur of the Cedar of Lebanon. (See page 15.)
Hickory, Mockernut, continued
many situations it will, in a few years, be more satisfactory than the quicker trees.
We have a large quantity of young trees from local seed that should be planted among trees and shrubs and in Pine groves for permanent effects. It is a sturdy tree when small, and worthy.
Shellbark, or Shagbark. H. orata; syn., Gary a alba. This is a native at Glen Head.
Bitternut. Carya amara. A tree of graceful, Elm-like form, narrow leaves, yellow buds and nuts as puckery as Persimmons.
Hornbeam • Carpinus
American. Carpinus Americana. The Indian name, Little Beech, accurately describes it. The leaves are smaller and denser than the Beech. It is as useful as an undergrowth as the Dogwood.
European. C. Betulus. This is excellent for screens and hedges. We offer a fine stock, suitable for this purpose. The russet leaves remain on all winter. It stands pruning well, making an im- penetrable, stubby growth thick to the ground. It can be used in mass planting with shrubs, or will grow up to a wide Beech-like tree; vigorous and healthy.
Horse- Chestnut • AEsculus
AEsculus Hipppcastanum. If we except the rarer Magnolias, this is the most magnificent flowering tree. In deep, cool soil, where the Newtown Pippin apple thrives, it keeps good foliage all summer. Elsewhere on Long Island the leaves become rusty by midsummer, but it is handsome enough in its luxuriant foliage and beautiful flowers to atone for that. Do not use it as the principal tree on a dry subsoil.
Dwarf. /£, parviflora; syn., macrostachya. See under Shrubs, page 58.
Judas • Cercis
American. Cercis Canadensis. Red Bud. A small tree, with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. In early May, when the Dogwood is in bloom, the branches are closely wreathed with magenta-pink blossoms.
Japanese. C.Chinensis. See under Shrubs, page 60.
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Gymnocladus Canadensis. A giant among trees, large in all its parts. Not valuable on Long Island except on heavy or moist soil. It has leaves 2 feet long, divided like the Aralia spinosa.
Hornbeam Hedge about service court at residence of Mr. Babbott, Glen Cove. We have a large quantity of hedge to
quickly make this effect
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
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There is probably not another block of Lindens so well fitted for lawn or avenue. They are broad, low and symmetrical
Koelreuteria • Varnish Tree
Koelreuteria paniculata. A healthy tree of medium size, with showy panicles of lemon- colored blossoms in July, when the tall shrubbery and woodland borders are in need of flowers.
Larch • Larix
European. Larix decidua; syn., L. Europcea. Its beauty is most prominent in April and May, when the tender green foliage comes out two weeks ahead of other trees. It has the form of its relative, the Spruce, but drops its foliage.
Japanese. Pseudo-Larix Kczmpferi. This is a noble, broad tree, with picturesque outline, resembling its near relative, the Cedar of Lebanon. Include a few when covering a hill with Pines and Oaks. It is called the Japanese Golden Larch, from its autumn color.
Linden • Tilia
In human nature there is a strong appreciation
of the symmetrical and the solid. While this may
not be the highest form of beauty in a tree in all
places, the demand for it exists, especially in formal
surroundings. All the Lindens have an ovate or
egg-shaped form, but vary in their solidity of texture
and depth of color, and healthfulness of foliage.
Silver. Tilia tomentosa; syn., T. argentea; syn.,
T. alba. White Linden. In symmetry of form
it is unsurpassed. The foliage is dark green above
and silvery white below, and is retained until
late autumn.
There is a pair at our entrance, planted about twenty-eight years ago, that, without pruning, are as symmetrical as two eggs.
We have been to considerable trouble to work up a stock suitable for entrance avenues and lawn planting.
Spectabilis. T. tomentosa, var. spectabilis. A va- riety of the above, with large leaves, green on both sides. It, therefore, resembles the American Linden, but its foliage keeps in better condition. It is a vigorous, handsome tree.
Linden, continued
Weeping Silver. T. petiolaris; syn., T. argentea, var. pendula. This is not weeping in the sense of the Weeping Willow, as only the tips of the branches arch downward in the heavy luxuriance of their young growth. It makes an ovate and beautiful tree, rearing its crown as high as any and, like many vigorous trees, the lower branches sweep the ground and enclose one of the pleasant- est outdoor retreats. We have specimens 15 feet broad, with foliage to the ground.
Small-leaved European. T. ulmifolia; syn., T. micro phylla. A dense, ovate tree, whose smooth- ness of outline is formed by the closeness of the twigs and the small size of the leaves. The foliage is perfectly healthy. We have trees up to 25 feet in height.
We have a block grown 10 feet apart with the tops trained by a form to a uniform ovate shape. They present a unique opportunity to save half a dozen years in developing beautiful avenues, lawn specimens, or low-branched trees for screens. There are on the market several other European Lindens that have proven of little value because they are affected by a fungus, and drop part of their foliage in July.
American. T. Americana. Basswood. A large tree, with large, heart-shaped leaves. It prefers moist, rich soil, and without it may have rusty leaves in late summer.
Liquidambar • Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua. Bilsted. A most beautiful native tree, of the shape of the Tulip Tree or Sugar Maple. In the autumn it assumes very brilliant scarlet, orange and bronze colors. It should be included in groves, on both upland and damp soil, or planted as a specimen lawn tree.
Locust
Honey. Gleditschia triacanthos. We recommend this highly for seaside planting on sterile soils.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
Magnolias
The Magnolias like Long Island and maintain good health here. Therefore Long Islanders should plant them extensively, not as single specimens, but in groups and belts as other trees and shrubs are planted. The reason they like Long Island was discovered by Dr. Asa Gray, the famous botanist. Magnolias are native of only eastern North America and eastern Asia. They once inhabited Greenland, Iceland, etc., and were driven south during the glacial epoch in these two regions because of their similarity of climate. Magnolias have been rare, high-priced and difficult to get from nurseries in quantity, and reputed difficult to transplant. We have changed all this. We determined to have a plenty, and collected large quantities of seed from the magnificently complete collection of the late Charles A. Dana, and elsewhere. Our stock is frequently transplanted and root-pruned. Therefore they have a close mass of fibrous roots and can be economically moved with balls of earth. They are sure to live, grow vigorously, keep in good foliage and furnish a wealth of beautiful flowers and showy red seed vessels every year.
The landscape grouping of Magnolias is not difficult. They are rounded in form, full at the base, and as harmonious in foliage with ordinary planting as Dogwood, Virburnum, Golden Bell, Privet, Beech, Linden, Sugar Maple, Pin Oak and Tulip Tree. The exceptions are the large-leaved species, — Macrophylla, Tripetala, Hypoleuca and Frazeri, which have tropical foliage and can be planted in parts of the lawn dedicated to unusual plants, or used to decorate, by contrast, the borders of the woodland and swamp.
Who will be the first to have a Magnolia and Azalea garden, or to transform a pond or stream into a Water Lily garden surrounded by a bower of beauty, by planting Magnolias around it.?
Early Spring-flowering, March to May. Native to Asia- Hall's, Kobus, Yulan, Purple.
Hybrids of the last two — Soulangeana, Alba superba, Alexandria, Speciosa, Lenne.
June-Flowering—
Umbrella, Large-leaved, Hypoleuca, Eraser's Parviflora, Watsoni, Cucumber, Sweet Bay.
Sweet Bay Magnolia, a beautiful flower that you can have in quantity at no greater cost than ordinary shrubs. They appear for a long time in early summer.
July- and August-flowering — Parviflora, Purple, Lenne.
Trees- Cucumber, Kobus, Umbrella, Large-leaved, Hy- poleuca.
Shrubs —
Hall's, Sweet Bay, Yulan, Soulangeana, Alba superba, Alexandria, Speciosa, Lenne, Parviflora, Watsoni.
Big Tropical Foliage- Large-leaved, Umbrella, Hypoleuca, Fraser's.
Abundant Ornamental Fruit —
Sweet Bay, Umbrella, Cucumber, Kobus, Frazeri.
Feeble Growers —
Parviflora, Watsoni.
Tender—
Grandiflora (Southern Evergreen Magnolia), Purple (slightly tender), Lenne (slightly tender).
Semi - Evergreen —
Sweet Bay.
AMERICAN SPECIES
Sweet Bay. Magnolia glauca. Laurel Magnolia. This, especially, should be planted in large groups; it grows better and looks better so. In winter it keeps part of its foliage and it is the brightest green of the broad-leaved evergreens. It will make a healthy bush or small tree 8 to 1 5 feet high .
The flowers and foliage most closely resemble the famous Southern Magnolia, because it is most closely related to it. The graceful, globular, cup-shaped flowers are delightfully fragrant. Color cream-white. They are sold in June and July in large quantities by the flower venders of New York, who bend back the petals to make the flowers look larger.
It is native to Long Island between Speonk and Westhampton. Professor Hollick, of the New York Botanical Garden, uses this and several other species to demonstrate that Long Island, New Jersey, Block Island, Nantucket and the Cape Cod region, were once connected. As plants of the southern sandy coastal plain flora moved north on the retreat of the ice sheet, they came up this costal plain. They could not travel through the flora of the rocky upland of northern New Jersey and Connecticut, therefore.,
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — 'Deciduous Trees
19
Our stock of Umbrella Magnolias, showing mass of fibrous roots, the result of last year's root pruning
Magnolia, Sweet Bay, continued
they traveled on land which is now under water, for Long Island is sinking at the rate of I foot per hundred years.
This Magnolia can be used for seaside planting with the Holly, Cedar, Virginia Creeper, Wild Cherry, Bayberry and Pitch Pine. It can also be used on the upland in shrub borders and near the flower garden.
We offer it at low rates and recommend its purchase in large quantities, for a stock of it is not raised by nurserymen every year and, therefore, cannot be offered at such low prices annually.
Umbrella. M. tripctala. This has large, tropical foliage, the leaves being i >£ feet long and 8 inches broad. It grows rapidly to form a medium- sized tree, with broad head, but it can be appro- priately used in the background of large shrub- beries for mass planting, spacing it about 10 feet apart. The luxuriance and large size of the foliage makes an agreeable contrast to ordinary foliage. While there is some natural scenery with which it might be inharmonious, it will always be so rare as to avoid the danger of being commonplace.
The flowers are pure white and about 8 inches wide, and appear in the middle of June. The fruit is the most showy and ornamental of all the Magnolias. It is a brilliant red cylinder, about 5 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. The scarlet seeds hang out on silken threads.
Magnolia, Umbrella, continued
We have worked up a stock* of large trees, 8 to 12 feet high, which are straight, symmetrical, and root-pruned to transplant successfully.
We recommend them for planting on upland, but especially for moist situations. Those who own land bordering the streams of Long Island have herein an immense oppurtunity to immedi- ately produce a beautiful group, for they can be planted in among the existing wild growth and will take care of themselves. They have run wild about a spring at Brookville, near Oyster Bay.
Large-leaved. M. macro phylla. This has the largest flower and the largest foliage of any plant hardy in this region. The blossom is as graceful as a classic vasff. The pure white petals are thick and firm in texture and open out as broad as a man's hat. Our parent tree is 25 feet high, and perfectly hardy. It is suited to the situations mentioned for the Umbrella Magnolia, but is a handsomer tree in every way except the fruit. It is very rare in cultivation. It blooms about the first of July, and the only defect is that the rose-bugs seem intoxicated by its strong perfume and fill its beautiful cup. To procure an undefiled blossom, it is necessary to cover the bud with a paper bag.
Connoisseurs who wish to have the rare and curious should include this.
Fraser's. M . Fraseri. This resembles the Umbrella Magnolia, but is a more slender tree.
Cucumber. M . acuminala . Unlike the three above, this appears to be just an exceptionally hand- some ovate tree of the Tulip tree type.
Large Silver Maples growing 15 feet apart in our Nur- sery. Single leaders, ovate tops. Offered at bargain prices because they are crowding smaller stock.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
Yuian Magnolia. The white chalice has the purity of the Madonna Lily
ASIATIC MAGNOLIAS
Magnolia Yulan; syn., conspicua. This is the species which has contributed most to the decoration of gardens in early spring. It holds aloft its pure white chalice, unmindful of April snows. It is a tall shrub of perfect hardiness and good foliage throughout the summer.
There are some old plants 30 feet high about Flushing and the Bedford section of Brooklyn. Later, it was not much planted because of the greater ease of propagating its hybrids. It is rare and high-priced, but should be included in collections. In China it symbolizes candor and beauty. Purple. M. oboyata gracilis; syn., purpurea gracilis. This is a broad shrub, about 8 feet high, with dense, healthy, dark green foliage and 'deep red flowers in May and scattering throughout the summer. It is hardy along the south shore of Long Island, but here it occasionally winter-kills when young, because of the late soft growth.
We recommend its extensive planting in shrubberies and along the border of wood- lands because of its good foliage masses, dense at the base.
The species Obovata, of which this is a variety, has larger flowers of tea-cup shape, and is the parent, with the Yulan, of the five following hybrids, which are intermediate in color and all bloom in April before the leaves.
M. Soulangeana. This has white flowers, with a shading of red at the base of each petal on the outside. It is what most people think of when they speak of Magnolias in the North. It forms an exceptionally dense
Magnolia Soulangeana, continued
and symmetrical shrub of 15 feet in diam- eter when old. There are few large lawns where an appropriate place cannot be found for it. We have a stock of large plants that have been growing here a number of years and are valuable for immediate results.
M. alba superba. This most closely resem- bles its parent, the Magnolia conspicua, and is nearly pure white.
M. Alexandria. Large white flowers, shaded bright red.
M. speciosa. The outside of the flower is rose-colored, the inside pearly pink.
M. Lenne. This shows most strongly the colors of its red-flowering parent. The flower is a big, broad tea-cup-shaped blos- som about \l/2 inches high, deep red outside
. and lighter within. We have noticed some bushes winter-killed about a foot at the tops, otherwise this set of hybrids is en- tirely hardy and healthy on Long Island.
Hall's. M.stettata;syn.,HoUeana. Hall's Star Magnolia. In the opinion of many, the gem of the family. It has heretofore been the most rare in nurseries, and its high price has deterred planters. After the hard win- ter in 1903-04, it bloomed so late in April that the frosts did not prevent its setting a large quantity of seed. We secured all possible, and now have over a thousand plants. We doubt if they will be offered for a long time more abundantly or cheaper. Who will be the first to make a garden hedge of them? The compact and even growth will render unnecessary the desecration of shearing. It is the first Magnolia to flower, and the school children delight to pick this and the Pussy Willow before the Golden Bells bloom.
Magnolia Stellata is the most beautiful harbinger of spring
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
21
Magnolia, Hall's, continued
The flower is entirely different from other varieties, as the illustration shows. It is as worthy of admiration as the Water Lily and is not dissimilar.
Its name comes from the missionary, Hall, who recognized the climate similarity and brought back a number of beautiful plants and had to beg various nurserymen to take them. The endeavors of Hall and other enthusiasts resulted in the introduction of the most beautiful and healthful plants for the parks and gardens of the eastern United States, as Chinese Azalea, Japanese Barberry, Deutzia, Eleagnus, Exo- chorda, Golden Bell, Upright Honeysuckle, Hydrangea, Japanese Judas, California Privet, Japanese Snowball, several Spireas, Weigela, Euonymus radicans. Clematis paniculata, Wistaria, Hall's Honeysuckle, Japanese Ivy, Crimson Rambler, Memorial Rose and Rugosa Roses, Japanese Anemone, Japanese Lilies, Japanese Plum, Kiefer Pear, Japanese Chestnut, Japanese Dogwood, Ginkgo, Japanese Maple, Japanese Poplar, Styrax, and many others.
M. Kobus. This promises to make a tree as hand-
Magnolia Kobus, continued
some as a Small-leaf Linden. We have symmetri- cal trees 8 feet high. It is said to have flowers like the Magnolia stellata, but it has not yet bloomed, while the latter blooms profusely when but 2 feet high.
M. hypoleuca. This is a big, broad tree, with leaves resembling the Large-leaved Magnolia, which show silvery white beneath when turned by the breeze. The foliage remains solid and unharmed by drought or severe winds. The flowers are about 9 inches wide, creamy white, with a crown of brilliant crimson stamens in the center. We recommend it highly. June.
M. parviflora. This is probably the least known of all the Magnolias, and, to our mind, the flowers, if shown in the florists' windows, would create as great a sensation as orchids, if these were entirely new. They are alabaster-white cups, about 3 inches in diameter, with the purest reel stamens inside. It starts to bloom in June before the rose-bugs defile it, and continues in July and August after they have gone.
M. Watsoni. This resembles the last, except that the flowers are slightly larger.
Maple • Acer
"I want trees" is the first thought, and the second is "plant Maples." This universal popularity is founded on certainty and quickness of growth, dense shade, symmetrical form, and brilliant autumn colors, for all these qualities are included in the Maple family. We offer the biggest and best Maples on the market. They are skillfully trained by new methods to the best possible condition. While Maples are tenacious of life when poorly grown and the roots cut short, when grown and transplanted our way, they grow luxu- riantly and severe pruning is not necessary. You buy a big, broad, symmetrical top, and you get it. Another tree with the same sized trunk, but with poor, coarse roots and crowded top, is comparatively worthless.
Norway. Ac-er platanoides. The spherical top and
dense, dark green foliage distinguish this tree.
Ability to take care of itself is a permanent
characteristic. Like the Baldwin apple and the
Concord grape, the Norway Maple has been long
recognized as the safe variety to plant. It is the
all-round, general-purpose shade tree. For those
wishing to add greater variety, there are, for- tunately, many other species, as Linden, Oak,
Elm, available in our nurseries.
The points of peculiar excellence of our Nor- way Maples are, abundant fibrous roots, straight
trunk, single leader, preventing splitting and
permitting the tree to be trimmed higher, and
wide, symmetrical top. It takes more room in
the nursery to grow trees with wide tops and
good roots, but the trees are worth the difference. We offer trees with high heads for street plant- ing, or low, broad tops for lawns. Ten, twenty
or thirty years can be saved by planting these
big Maples. Silver. A. saccharinum; syn., A. dasycarpum.
There is more foliage for the cost in Silver Maples
than in any other tree. It is the best of the cheap,
quick trees for most soils and situations. In late
summer, after a drought, the Silver Maples will
look well while the Carolina Poplars do not. Our
stock is trained to single leader, which prevents
splitting ; dense, symmetrical, Linden-shaped
tops, not liable to breakage by wind or ice, and
abundant fibrous roots, which make them sure
to live.
If your problem is to make a tall screen to
stable or house, these Maples, 20 to 40 feet high, will do it satisfactorily. If an entrance drive is to be immediately shaded, they will form a grace- ful, Elm-like arch. The Silver Maple takes the
Norway Maples. After fifteen years of skillful growing, we have developed hundreds of these broad, symmetrical trees from ordinary 10-foot trees.
22
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
Siloer Maples from our blocks of extra-sized trees sup- plied to the late Hon. Win. C. Whitney, Old Westbury. We have a large quantity of trees of the same age, 1 8 years, that are trained to broad ovate tops and single leaders.
Maple, Silver, continued
place of the Elm on many of our roads, for the Elm does not reach its typical development on Long Island. If the problem is to shade a house or porch, these Maples, 20 to 40 feet high, will add the most comfort and beauty for the least co&t. The Silver Maple is not fitted to parts of the Rockaway peninsula.
Wier's Weeping Cut-Leaf Silver. A. sac- charinum var. Wieri. A variety of the Silver Maple, with long, gracefully curving branches.
Sugar, Rock, or Hard. A . saccharum; syn., saccharinum. The Sugar Maple is a tall, ovate tree, which thrives best on the deep soils on the north shore of Long Island and reaches its highest beauty on the rocky soils of New England and westward.
Scarlet, or Red. A . rubrum. A strong, Oak- like tree, beautiful and healthy in all situa- tions. It is native to both swamps and up- lands on Long Island. It has brilliant autumn foliage. We offer trees 30 feet high, suitable for massing or single specimens.
Mulberry • Morus
The Mulberries are large and wide-spread- ing, vigorous and rapid in growth, making beautiful shade trees. New American and Downing'* Everbear*
ing. M.alba. Varieties cultivated for fruit, and also handsome broad shade trees.
Mulberry, continued
Russian. M. alba, var. Tatarica. A small tree of dense foliage, suited to large groups of shrub- bery. It was introduced into the western states by the Russian Mennonites and recently the fol- lowing variety was found.
Weeping. M. alba, var. Tatarica pendula. Teas' Weeping Mulberry. This is the best of the um- brella-shaped trees, such as Kilmarnock Willow, Camperdown Elm, Weeping Ash, etc. It grows 7 feet per year, and has healthy foliage of a rich dark green. The fruit is edible. The usual form is grafted on a stem 4 feet high, from which the branches droop to the ground.
It may be trained as a garden arch or pergola, or as a summer-house or verdant tent at the end of a garden walk, or as a children's play-house. We offer them trained as a summer-house with iron supports, from 5 to 8 feet high. Trained to a stake, its graceful sprays fall to the ground like a fountain jet.
We also grow it as a shrub, when it heaps up masses of arching branches 4 feet high and 8 feet wide, and best used for massing or edging shrub- bery and for covering steep banks.
Paulownia • Empress Tree
Paulownia imperialis. A tall, broad tree like the Catalpa. Its large blue flowers, borne in panicles often a foot long, are not conspicuous, because of their height and resemblance to the color of the sky. Blooms in May. Fragrant.
Peach • Prunus
Double-flowering. Prunus Persica, var. camellicE- flora plena. Small trees covered in early spring, with a wealth ot beautiful double blossoms; white, pink or crimson.
Pepperidge • Nyssa
Nyssa sylvatica. Sour Gum. To lovers of brilliant autumn colors this tree is a favorite. It is native to most of the Long Island forests. Its branches are horizontally arranged and the foliage small and glossy.
Weeping Mulberry, trained as play-house. The trees we offer are now five years older than when photographed
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. /.— Deciduous Tree
23
Pin Oaks supplied to Mr. J. Rogers Maxwell, Glen Cove, L. I. We have many of this height in the nursery
Oak • Quercus
More than sixty per cent of the Long Island forests are Oaks. Therefore, grow Oaks. There are eleven species of Oak native to Long Island. For every type of Long Island soil and for every class of moisture supply or climate exposure, there is a species. Trees raised from Long Island seed are adapted to Long Island conditions.
You want a border of foliage 10 to 30 feet high. It is not necessary to use Poplars and Willows because of their reputed quick growth. We offer Oaks up to 40 feet. If you have Poplars and Willows, plant Oaks between to come on for permanent trees. If you have a stretch of land too poor for lawn, or costing too much to make a good lawn, plant with Oaks and Pines and let it alone. They take care of themselves. Cut the grass once a year, or not at all. When they crowd, thin them out. It is the swamp, type or humid- climate type of tree and shrub, constituting the majority of nursery stock, which needs cultivation or mulch, water and fertilizer, to preserve its greatest beauty. To plant the small one- to two-year Oaks and Pines, etc., open a cleft by pushing down a long spade, put in the little tree, with the root down straight and 2 inches deeper than before, and pack the earth solidly.
You may have to cut through woods, leaving a raw edge of bare trunks. It needs rounding off and feathering down. Long Island's most harmonious foliage is Oak and Dogwood.
You may have a hill of abandoned land. A large number of building sites are of this character, — im- poverished farms, now patches of bare sand, Blackberries, Bayberry and Cedar. Nature's next step is to let the squirrels bring in a few acorns. When they bear, more nuts are planted. Nature is slow. Lead Nature. Do what Nature is going to do, but do it first. The thriftiest Oaks are often found in these patches of bare sand. Plant Oaks and plant them thickly. It is cheaper and better to let them occupy all the ground. Ir. short, get forest conditions. Remember the rule of a famous landscape architect; "Plant thick, thin quick."
Forestry. Forestry must include largely the Oaks. Long Island forests produce almost no sawed timber, because the trees are sprouts from stumps and are rotten and feeble as they reach saw-log size. Trees from seed are sound and vigorous. The German forests are largely from the planting of small trees of the size we offer.
Have the satisfaction of starting a forest right, even if the assessment is too high to make it profitable. Let this forest teach you, and teach your friends and neighbors, that there is no mystery about growing
24
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
Oak, continued
forest crops. Invention cannot remove the necessity of forestry. Remove the mystery, lessen the fire risk, and capital and state will take hold of forestry. Stockholders in railroads, manufacturers and consumers will all be educated by your forest. An Oak, Hickory and Pine forest will give the highest beauty, because
they will be among the happiest, most luxuri- ant and healthiest trees. Despise not the little tree. It enables you to do big things at low first cost and interest. In eight years a grove of I -foot trees and one of 6-foot trees will look alike. If you want a few trees 15 to 20 feet, that is another proposition. Plant big ones with good roots.
For seaside planting, some of the Oaks are the best of all. Their thick, leathery foliage stands the caustic salt spray and the grinding action of the sand blast. Their tough arms battle with the gale. Their long-reaching roots gather sustenance from the sand. If a great storm damages the foliage, they have the vigor to make a new, dense growth. The Black, Scarlet, Post, Scrub, and Chestnut Oaks should be included in seaside planting.
The windbreak value of Oaks is threefold. First, the leaves remain all the year on certain species, especially in the drier soils. Second, even with the species which drop their leaves, their thick, twiggy growth helps. Third, they help the Pines and Spruces, with- out being so thirsty as to rob them. Nature favors that partnership. On the prairie, this combination has made the best shelter belts. If you want trees that will give the least trouble with insects, fungus, drought, winter- killing, plant the kind of Oaks that fit your conditions, and cut back three-quarters of the top. That is the secret of successful transplanting of hardwood trees.
Large 'Pin Oa£s in Westbury Nursery, ready for mature results. Trees over 1 2 in. diameter, 30 ft. high and 20 ft. spread
Pin. Quercus palustris. The Pin Oak has led the way in popularizing the Oaks, because it is easy to transplant. It is of symmetrical, ovate form, with lower branches gracefully spreading down- ward. It has a bright autumn color. It grows rapidly, sometimes 4 feet per year, and thrives on all Long Island soils. The illustrations show Pin Oaks 2 feet in diameter, growing vigorously ten years after we have moved them, showing that the idea that large trees fail is not based on our methods. Large Pin Oaks recover quickly from transplanting, and will often give a good shade the second year. In our Nursery are large quantities of broad Pin Oaks, 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 feet high, ready to shade your house, screen unsightly buildings, complete your home picture.
Red. Q. rubra. The big, gravity-defying, broad- spreading branches, sinewy as a pugilist's arm, show even on the young trees. Of course, the White Oak is the ideal and equals the European Oak of literature, art, and history, but the Red Oak will attain the same qualities earlier. It is well dressed with large, clean foliage that turns deep red in autumn and then falls off. Its growth is as rapid as the Norway, or Sugar Maple. A tree that will always do its work quickly and require no coddling, frequently making 3 feet of growth per year. We offer a good stock" of trees recently transplanted.
Scarlet. Q. coccinea. Probably the commonest Oak tree on Long Island. Its foliage resembles the Pin Oak, but its lower branches are larger, stronger and spread upward. Its leaves turn to brilliant scarlet late in autumn, and in some soils they remain red all winter.
For windbreak and all-the-year screen, this leaf-retaining feature is of great value. If you do not trim them, the branches will remain thick and broad to the ground. In drought it thrives and keeps on growing when other trees stop.
Order 500 Scarlet Oaks and 500 Pines, plant 5 to 10 feet apart, and they will do more than five times the investment in shrubs.
Black. Q. velutina. The Black Oak is the closest relative and companion of the Scarlet Oak, and, by some botanists, considered a variety of the same species. The useful qualities of the Scarlet Oak apply to the Black Oak, with the addition that its thicker, more leathery leaves fit it to stand salt spray. The general appearance of the tree is big and sturdy, and next the surf it makes a low tree, pugnacious and broad-shouldered, with branches to the ground. Miles of sand dunes can be held by it if only they are started.
Post. Q. stellata. The polished black-green leathery leaves announce this a drought-resister. It is native on the bare, sandy hillsides or on the gravelly seashore. It makes a broad tree.
Isaac Hicks £r Son, Westbury Station, N. /. — "Deciduous Trees
25
Oak, continued
White. Quercus alba. The white Oak, spreading its branches for nearly a hundred feet, possesses dignity and strength, representing the growth of over a century. What will it do in twenty years? Recall the lO-foot sapling you knew by the fence, as a child? Now it is 30 feet high and wide, strong and lithe, dignified, full of prc-mise, never loses what it gains. Would you not rather have it than the quicker Poplars already rotting and toppling to the earth? If you want a monument for the future, plant a grove of White Oaks.
Chestnut. Q. prinus. The Chestnut Oak is native to two types of soil on Long Island; where drain- age is excessive — the slopes of Cold Spring Harbor and similar valleys, and of the Rockaway penin- sula. A large, handsome tree with chestnut-like foliage which turns to rich russet in autumn.
Dwarf Chestnut. Q. prinoides. An almost un- known comrade ot the Scrub Oak. On the Hemp- stead Plains it makes a carpet a foot high and several yards wide, creeping by underground stems. It will make a delicate and graceful shrub of 5 feet. Plant in shrubberies and on dry banks.
Swamp White. Q. bicolor. The1 Swamp White Oak is a shaggy-barked tree, native to heavy land on Long Island. It is of the White Oak type, but grows more rapidly and is more upright. Its foliage stands city air.
Mossy Cup, or Burr. Q. macrocarpa. A tall, rugged tree with twigs thickly ridged with cork.
Scrub. Q. ilicifolia. The Scrub Oak need not be despised ; the melancholy effect of the thou- sands of acres of it on Long Island is due to the forest fires which cause the even-topped growth, ragged Pines and poverty of soil. Its dense growth and drought-resisting qualities make it valuable for nurse-planting on dry banks. It will form a round or flat-topped bush of 10 feet.
Aoenue of Red Oafa planted by us in 1905 on the Mineola Fair Grounds. They have outgrown some of the Maples, and already show the strong Oak character.
Residence of Mr. John L. Lawrence, Lawrence, L. I. In 1897 we moved in large Pin Oaks, Wild Cherry, old Boxwood and large Shrubs, giving immediately the setting its architecture required. The gardener tells with amusement of some curious passers-by, who inquired how old the house was, and refused to believe his statement, " It was a bare field three years ago."
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Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Deciduous Trees
English Oak on lawn of Mr. J. W. B. Van De Water, Hempstead, planted from our nursery about 1 2 years ago
Oak, continued
Laurel. Quercus imbricaria. The Laurel, or Shingle Oak, is a beautiful tree in all respects. The leaves are the shape of the Laurel, without lobes or notches, and of dark, lustrous color. Our stock is from a tree planted by the late Wm. C. Bryant, at Roslyn, L. I.
Black Jack. Q. Marylandica. In the driest gravel of Long Island this makes a symmetrical, round- topped tree of 40 feet, having the qualities of strength and rugged endurance, even when small, looking like a miniature old Oak. We recommend its extensive planting on very sterile soils.
Turkey Oak. Q. cerris. A tall tree, of good foliage, of value in arboretums.
Willow. Q. Phellos. The narrow foliage of the Willow and the habit of the Pin Oak combined, make this one of the prettiest ornamental trees. Our stock is from Philadelphia, and occasionally winter-kills. It is native on Staten Island, and we expect to get the hardy form later.
English, or Royal. Q. pedunculata; syn., Q. Robur. The trees we offer are from the seed of a tree planted by Isaac Hicks that has grown 40 feet high and 40 feet broad, 30 years from planting, and gives promise of attaining the qualities that have made this species famous in history.
We have a quantity of these trees that have been grown wide apart and have developed broad heads and strong, horizontal branches, and now show the Oak character. If you wish a group of Oaks, plant these for immediate effect. We offer them at exceedingly low prices. Plant be- tween them some American Oaks, because they will be most sure to have permanently good foliage.
Persimmon • Diospyros
Diospyros Virginiana. It is not generally known that this fruit tree of the South is native here, forming a round-headed tree of healthy, dark and glossy foliage.
Phellodendron • Chinese Cork Tree
Phellodendron Amurense. This is a very prom- ising tree, growing rapidly to broad-spreading form. It may be used for lawn or street purposes. We recommend it very highly. It resembles the Ailanthus. but is without its faults.
Plane Tree * Platanus
Platanus orientalis. Oriental Plane, or Sycamore. This tree is better than the well-known American Buttonball, being free from fungous diseases. It grows to a large, broad-spreading, symmetrical tree. The past severe winters have damaged the bark in some localities.
Poplar • Populus
Carolina. Populus deltoides, var. Carolinensis. The Carolina Poplar is the most commonly planted, as it quickly forms a tall tree. However, for most Long Island soil, it is a failure after a few years, and we know of no one who is pleased with it after ten or fifteen years. To do well, it needs rich soil, free from drought.
Japanese. P. suaveolens. We highly recommend this species for general planting on Long Island. In spring it comes out as early as the Larch; that is two weeks earlier than other trees, and it remains green later in the season than most trees. The foliage is thick like the Rosa rugosa and is equally healthy. The large specimens of this tree excite admiration from all who make their acquaintance. We believe we are the only nur- sery offering it.
We do not say it is the best tree, but it is the best Poplar, and is one of the best quick, cheap trees. Its roots penetrate deeply, and so it stands drought better than the other Poplars. Most important of all, it is free from the rust that half defoliates the Carolina Poplar and makes the suburbanite angry with the real estate com- pany that planted them because they were cheap.
Lombardy. P. nigra, var. Italica; syn., P.fastigiata; syn., P. dilatata. The Lombardy Poplar has distinct characteristics, and may be used for landscape effect to vary the sky-line. It is ragged and short-lived on Long Island, and we do not recommend it for screen or mass planting, although it is frequently ordered for that purpose because of its rapid, tall growth.
For making a satisfactory screen, we have tall trees of better species, as the Silver Maple, Norway Maple and Pin Oak, which will keep dense foliage. If these grow too broad, they can be cut back at the sides, as in France and Holland.
Silver Bell, or Snowdrop Tree
(Halesia)
Halesia tetraptera; syn., Mohrodendron tetrap- tera. A small tree, known because of the masses of white bells which cover it in May. The Silver Bell, the orange-flowered Styrax, the Dogwood and the Sweet Bay Magnolia make a beautiful group.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Deciduous Trees
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Thorn (Hawthorn) • Crataegus
Paul's Double Scarlet. Cratagus monogyna, var. Pauli. The brilliant intensity of color distin- guishes this little tree from all others. Like the foregoing, it is valuable only for its flowers.
Cockspur. C. Crus-galli. This species is native on the most windy portions of the Hempstead Plains and edges of salt meadows. It is a picturesque tree, growing 10 to 20 feet high, with long, hori- zontal, sharp-pointed branches. The leaves are thick and glossy. In autumn the branches are covered with bright red haws.
We recommend it highly where a Hawthorn hedge is wanted. It should be used in large mass plantings of shrubs. The English Hawthorn has indicated its dislike to this climate, and is subject to San Jose scale.
Tulip Tree • Liriodendron
Liriodendron tulipifera. White Wood. This ranks with the White Oak and the White Pine as one of the noblest trees native of Long Island. It grows rapidly to a tall, symmetrical tree, which should be extensively used for lawn and avenue planting. It should be very carefully planted in the spring. The Tulip becomes the tallest tree in the forest, with a straight trunk, tapering as gracefully as the Ionic column in a Grecian temple. The foliage is healthy through- out the season, and the flowers, large yellow tulips in June.
Pyramidal. L. tulipifera, var. pyramidale. This grows in a narrow column like the Lombardy Poplar. It is worthy of a trial.
Yellow- Wood • Cladrastis
Cladrastis tinctoria; syn., Virgilea lutea. A
combination of the good qualities of the Beech and Locust. It has smooth, gray bark and bears long racemes of white flowers.
Wallow • Salix
The Willow family is characterized by quick growth on ground too wet for many other trees, combined with ease in transplanting. It may be used for temporary planting on uplands. For the seaside, plant in thick, wide masses, i. e., groups 10 to 30 feet wide with the trees 4 to 10 feet apart. Babylonian Weeping. Salix Babylonica. The
well-known Weeping Willow.
Salamon's. S. Babylonica, var. Salamonii. A
variety of the above, with more upright branches
the ends of which are drooping. A rapid-growing
and handsome tree.
Yellow, or White. 5. mlellina. An upright-branched
yellow-barked tree.
Laurel-Leaf, or Bay -Leaf. 51. pentandra; syn., 5. laurifolia. This can be used for the same pur- pose as the California Privet. It grows taller and more rapidly. Plant 6 to 10 feet apart to form a quick, tall screen. The leaves are broad, thick and glossy.
Walnut • Juglans
See, also. Nut Trees
Black. Juglans nigra. Among the Black Walnuts are found some of the most venerable and rugged great trees on Long Island. It likes good soil, about 10 feet above an underground stream, with plenty of room to develop. It will bear crops of nuts annually. The foliage falls in early autumn.
Butternut, or White Walnut. J. cinerea. Another useful tree nut that is native to Long Island. It grows about 30 feet high.
Japanese. J . cordiformis. The rapid growth and wide-spreading top of this species gives it orna- mental value. The nuts grow in clusters and resemble the Butternut.
English. J . regia. The pride of several old Long Island homesteads is the English Walnut tree.
Maple
[Norway Maple Japanese Poplar Pin Oak Silver Maple
Lawn of Mr. Winthrop Burr, Lawrence, L. I., on a bare site near the ocean. Large trees selected from our Nursery
Residence of Mr. Stanley Mortimer, Roslyn, L. I. Planting of large evergreens by Hicks tree-mover. Cedars, Pines, Spruce, Fir and Hemlock up to 20 and 30 feet were moved, to separate the entrance drive from the sunken service court. There are groups of such evergreens at each end of the mansion, which take away the bleak, bare wind-swept appearance from the new house on the crest of the hill. Old Dwarf Boxwood on the left, with the English Ivy, completes the picture.
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Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Evergreens
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Evergreens
The question arises: What will evergreens do to enhance the beauty and value of my property? Every owner has ideals for the future development of his land. Do these ideals include a grove of Pine, a wind- break of Spruce trees, a Pine-forested hill or a valley with Hemlock-covered slopes? Have journeys to the northern mountains given memories of Balsam, Pine and Spruce that you would like to see reproduced near home? This can, in large measure, be accomplished. The evergreens of northern latitudes, as the Hemlock and White Pine, are native on Long Island; but the axe of the early settlers and the fires have nearly ex- terminated them, and it is necessary to plant to give our winter landscapes the beauty, interest and cheerfulness that the climate permits.
The utilitarian value of evergreens is but little understood. They have been re- garded as the extravagant and isolated orna- ments on the lawn. That is partly the fault of the nurserymen for not growing them in large quantities and offering them at low prices.
To aid in deciding what to order, we state the merits and limitations of each species. We offer evergreens in nearly every size, price and variety that can be used in this region. It remains for you to decide to what extent evergreens will help your prop- erty, and what size will suit your purposes.
For immediate results, we have the largest-sized evergreens on the market, and, what is equally important, have invented and constructed several types of tree-moving machinery for successfully moving large evergreens.
On the other hand, if small evergreens will best suit your purposes, we believe that we have the largest quantity that has ever been grown in the northeastern United States. It has heretofore been the custom to import small evergreens from Europe, but a long test has proven that most of the kinds native to Europe are not permanently hardy or handsome here.
If medium-sized trees, from 2 to 5 feet high, will best suit your requirements, we feel certain that no better trees can be grown than those here offered. Our stock has been trained to have abundant fibrous roots, and will be dug in a way to insure excellent results.
How many to order depends on the area to be covered and the distance apart. Evergreens love com- pany. The mutual protection of a grove where one tree shelters another from the drying winds, adds to their beauty and usefulness. The individual tree will be much more dense in foliage when it is surrounded by a grove of other trees. "Plant thick, thin quick," is the summary of a discussion on this subject by a convention of landscape architects and park superintendents. Both parts of this rule are more important with evergreens than with deciduous trees. We have made it possible to plant thickly by offering evergreens in large quantities and at low prices, and our tree-moving inventions make it easy and safe to thin safely at the proper time, and utilize these trees for other planting or for sale. Before our method of tree-moving, it was customary to cut down and throw away such trees, because evergreens over 9 feet high were often thought too big to move successfully.
The distance apart will, therefore, depend upon how quickly you wish results and upon how windy the situation is.
For a screen belt, evergreens may be planted 5 to 12 feet apart. The group should be 15 feet wide,
Vista of tall Red Cedars moved by us on Hicks Tree- Movers in the Italian Garden of Mr. Stanley Mortimer, Roslyn, L. I. This vista leads to the Villa d'Este circle described on page 9. The ground is carpeted with moss pink.
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Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.—lLbergreens
or preferably more, to gain the mutual protection. If you are planting large evergreens, as Pines and Cedars, 10 to 20 feet high, it will be best to leave 3 to 8 feet space between the outer branches of each tree, and to plant two or three rows of trees to make a complete screen. This results in the sun reaching the lower branches of each tree, and thus making a dense screen or windbreak. Otherwise the lower branches are shaded and killed.
The grouping of evergreens is comparatively an easy matter. They show what they are when they arrive, unlike deciduous trees and shrubs. Evergreens may be grouped alone or with other trees and shrubs. If they love company, it does not mean necessarily evergreen company. The best Pine timber is frequently mixed with Birch and Oak, and in landscape planting Oak and Pine make one of the strongest combinations. If you wish a belt of evergreens mixed with deciduous trees and shrubs, the evergreens can be planted in August and September and the shrubs the following autumn and spring.
Hemlocks dislike the dry northwest wind. Therefore, when they are young, they may be surrounded with deciduous shrubs, as Weigela, Golden Bell, Spirea, Viburnum, or Witch Hazel. These should be cut back or moved away, to allow 2 feet of space for the sunlight around the evergreens. One of the best Pine groves we have seen is arranged in this manner.
The planting of evergreens is one of the simplest horticultural operations. If there is no ball of earth on the roots, spread the roots out in the hole and cover with mellow earth and pack firmly with a stick or the foot. If the ground is dry, water it. A mulch of leaves, straw or manure will help hold the moisture. With evergreens shipped with a ball of earth, arrange the group by setting the trees in the positions desired, dig the holes and set the trees in. Then remove the covering to the ball of earth and spread out the roots. If the ball of earth should crumble, that is no special harm, spread out the roots and cover them with mellow earth. It is less necessary to water them than where the trees are delivered without ball of earth. However, in summer planting, the demands of the foli- age are constant and it is not wise to omit water.
Carting good soil is rarely necessary for evergreens, because, as you have probably Hedge of tall Cedars planted by us to separate the service court noticed, they are usually native to the poorer from the formal garden for Mr. Stanley Mortimer, Roslyn. This so{is Evergreens require only a small fraction hedge is double to more effectively shut out sight and sound. We as much moisture as deciduous lrees; that js> otter hundreds or similar evergreens
a Maple tree will need ten times as much
water in a season as a Pine tree of the same bulk; therefore, a moisture-retaining soil is not necessary.
Plant and let Nature work for you. Rain and sun cost nothing, after the land is paid for.
How to Order. Order from this price-list or, if you wish more rare varieties, write for list. It is not necessary to come to the Nursery to select your stock. We have large blocks of evergreens, and will select trees of good quality. There are very few trees of unsymmetrical form, and these we skillfully prune and keep to grow into good-shaped specimens, or throw into the bonfire. However, a visit to the Nursery, either summer or winter, may be a revelation to you of the beauty and variety of evergreens, and may aid you in understanding which is the most economical size to buy for various purposes.
Large evergreens, from 10 to 30 feet, had best be the subject of correspondence or, preferably, a con- ference on your grounds or at the nursery. Large evergreens, up to 25 feet, can be safely shipped by rail and larger sizes by barge.
We are experimenting with all the evergreens we can get that are likely to survive here. They are being tested in the Nursery and in various sites; seashore and center of Long Island; on the mainland, on
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
31
Sand-bluff planting on property of Mr. W. Emlen Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, L. I. A few years ago this was a bank of running sand. It was planted with Red Cedar, Bayberry and Broom, and the native growth of Locust, Virginia Creeper, Poison Vine, Oak and Blackberry encouraged. A comparatively inexpensive sea-wall of posts and rocks holds the base.
Bluff at Red Spring, Glen Cove. In the winter the loss of land at the top is rapid, but can be prevented by close plant- ing with small evergreens (as described under Pitch Pine), mixed with various deciduous shrubs and vines. Partial death of the trees at the top could have been checked by low planting about their roots. Concrete sea-wall and jetties of boulders.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — TLbergreens
dry, sandy soil and heavy damp soil, on wind-swept hill and sheltered valley or open plain. We occasionally give away some of these to customers who are willing to test them. Let us know if you are interested in this. Time to Plant. Small evergreens, 3 inches to 3 feet high, we plant without balls of earth all the year, excepting from October to March. In June and July the new growth is soft but they live the same as cab- bage. Medium-sized evergreens, 3 to 8 feet high, with balls of earth, can be planted all the year. If planted between October and February 20, it is best to mulch the roots to keep out frost, and to protect the tops from wind. Large evergreens, 8 to 40 feet high, with balls of earth, we move all the year with good results. "What is the best time to plant?" is usually the first question. It should be the last. What are my needs and what class of trees will do? What species and geographical variety of the species will best fit the soil and climate? Who has it in the sizes wanted at a fair price? What is the quality of roots and top? Will they be dug and delivered with good roots? What are the seasons for planting?
Arborvitae • Thuya
American. Thuya occidentalis. Before the days of the California Privet, this was the most popular hedge plant. It stands shearing well and makes a dense screen. Its popularity was due to the abundant supply and the rapidity with which it could be grown from cuttings.
One of the most eminent and the first landscape gardener in this country, A. J. Downing, says, "The only fault of this tree as an evergreen is the comparatively dingy green hue of its foliage in winter. But, to compensate for this, it is re- markably fresh-looking in its spring, summer and autumn tints, appearing well at those seasons with the bright verdure of deciduous trees."
It sometimes winter-kills on Long Island or gets open and ragged. Therefore, for extensive planting, the Red Cedar and the hardiest varie- ties of Pines and Spruces are preferable.
Siberian. T. occidentalis, var. Wareana; syn., T ' . Sibirica. This is darker green and more dense in growth than the American. It forms a broader pyramid and is slower in growth.
We have uniform pyramids accurately sheared, which are suitable for formal gardens and vases. They are also useful for making evergreen groups, especially those which are to be kept below a certain height.
Pyramidal. T. occidentalis, var. pyramidalis. This forms a dark green shaft resembling the young plants of Red Cedar. It will make a column 10 feet high and 2 feet wide and is, therefore, valu- able in formal gardens.
Booth's. T. occidentalis, var. Boothi. There are many places where a dense, globular-formed evergreen that will stay about 3 feet high is needed, and the Booth's Arborvitae will fill that requirement excellently.
Dwarf. T. occidentalis, var. globosa. As a substitute for Box edging this is useful. It is dense in texture and can be used either as garden edging or in carpet-bedding with Retinosporas and other evergreens. It can be kept trimmed to I or 2 feet in height.
Golden, or George Peabody. T ' . occidentalis, var. lutea. A bright golden yellow all the year. Useful in evergreen beds to give variety and to relieve the somberness of the green. It is equally as good as the Retinospora plumosa aurea.
Chinese. T. orientalis. A pyramidal tree with branches set edgewise. Of value for hedges, par- ticularly in the South. These cheap little plants can be used for bordering garden paths. The winter color is a rich bronze.
Standish. T. Japonica; syn., Thuyopsis Stand iskii. A rapid-growing species, resembling the American, and useful for hedges.
Laundry paddock of Red Cedar planted by us. A windbreak of this kind prevents tearing of the laundry. Residence
of Mr. Wm. Baldwin, Garden City
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — TLbergreens
33
Arches for garden paths, entrance gates, or they can be placed end to end, as in the formal garden of Mr. Stanley Mortimer, Roslyn, L. I. These arches are accurately trained, and can be taken apart and shipped. See also privet arches on page 62.
Tall Cedars in our nursery, ready for transplanting any time of the year. These 25 -foot trees can be safely shipped.
Cedar Hedge, protecting the vegetable garden of Mr. W. Emlen Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, L. I. The Marsh Elder (Baccharis halmi- folia) growing on the Beech at high-tide level. See page 56.
Red Cedar
(Juniperus Virginiana]
This is the cheapest evergreen for immedi- ate effect. It is among the best evergreens for sterile, sandy soil and salt spray.
We have solved more landscape problems with the Red Cedar than with any other evergreen, not only because it is abundant and cheap, but because it is beautiful and rapid in growth. A plantation of young Cedars will gain in height as rapidly as the average Pine or Spruce.
The illustrations show some of the uses to which it has been put. The service court and laundry paddock are problems at every house. Cedars will make screens for the least cost in the most dense and thorough manner, and occupy the least space.
For screening buildings, we have planted hundreds of tall Cedars which have com- menced work right away and kept it up the year round and proven that they can keep it up for 50 or 100 years, for Cedars are very long-lived trees. It is amusing to see people try Lombardy Poplars for this work on unsuitable soils and exposures, because " Pop- lars are so quick, you know." The Poplars will frequently grow quickly for two or three years and then, like a tattered veil, commence to thin out and look worse than no planting. Privacy and seclusion are fundamental; demands of human nature in a civilized stage. There should be portions of the lawn, garden and porches secluded from intrusion. Rest and repose are nearly as essential as food The flower garden can be screened from the other portions of the ground and become practically an out-door room.
We have thousands of Cedars ready. The gardens of Italy are famous for the Cypress, — tall columns of bronze-green. In the formal gardens on large, recently es- tablished country estates, we have repro- duced this effect with the native Red Cedars. In our Nursery are specimens trained for this purpose from 3 feet to 35 feet high.
For bluffs and sand dunes, small Cedars should be planted thickly with Pitch Pine, Scotch Pine, Bayberry, Virginia Creeper, Goldenrod and other drought-resisting plants.
We move native Cedars any month in the year. We have invented machinery for suc- cessfully and economically handling them. There are several details essential to success and we will furnish experienced men. The soil or geological formation on which they are growing is an element which needs to be con- sidered in some cases.
Blue-Red. Juniperus Virginiana glauca. Occasionally in fields of Red Cedar is seen one with a decided blue foliage added to the blue color of the berries.
White. Chamacyparis sphceroidea; syn., Cupressus thuyoides. The White Cedar native to the coast swamps from Massa- chusetts southward is distinct from the White Cedar, or Arborvitae, from Maine to Michigan. It is a tall, black-green pyramid which can be seen along the Montauk division of the Long Island railroad in wet ground or next the salt meadows. It is suitable to plant in such places.
34
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury -Station, N. Y. — Ebergreens
Residence of Dr. D. H. McAlpin, Morris Plains, N. J. Mass of large Pine, Hemlock and Spruce planted by us in 1906 on Hicks Tree-Movers. Photographed in 1907. We have hundreds of similar trees suitable for shipment by rail in August, September, winter or spring.
Mt. Atlas Cedar * Cedms atlantica
The Cedars of Lebanon, introduced by the cru- saders and planted about the older English castles, are the noblest and broadest evergreens in England. The Mt. Atlas Cedar grows with the Cedar of Lebanon in Palestine, and so closely resembles it that some botanists consider it a variety of the same species. The Mt. Atlas is the hardier of the two. It should be planted in groves of Pine and Spruce. If this is done, in a few years people will be surprised to see gracefully arching branches of sparkling blue-green foliage, and many inquiries will be received for the name of the new and beautiful evergreen. Our plants are from a tree 35 feet high on Dana's Island, Glen Cove. Blue. Cedrus Atlantica glauca. This is as blue as the Roster's Colorado Blue Spruce. There are a number of trees growing on dry, exposed hills on Long Island and northern New Jersey.
Cephalotaxus
Cephalotaxus fortune!. This belongs to the Yew family and has all the good qualities of the Yew, with the addition of having larger foliage in more graceful, arching sprays. It likes a sheltered and moist place, but makes a beautiful plant here in the open until late winter, when a few branches get brown. There are beautiful old plants of it at Glen Cove, 10 feet high and more in width. It will endure shade and we would recommend its use near the springy places on the north and south shore, either in full sun or half shade.
Firs • Abies
Erroneously Picea
The Fir family is typified by the Balsam Fir, train-loads of which add to our Christmas cheer.
Sentimental friends of the forest lament the destruction of future valuable timber. They should study up the question before writing to the papers and forest commissioners, urging the abolition of the Christmas tree.
First, the Balsam Fir is not valuable timber; second, the trees cut are weeds in a pasture and not
Firs, continued
generally from forests; third, in the bountiful pro- vision of nature, a dozen trees or more will get to the Christmas tree size for one that reaches saw-log size; fourth, in cutting Christmas trees only a very few are selected.
The Firs are all tall, pyramidal trees with a pointed top. With the exception of the Concolor and one or two others, they are all a very dark, lustrous green and have a richness unexcelled by other evergreens.
Nordmann's. Abies Nordmanniana. The large specimens in our Nursery excite the admiration of most people who see them. They are very broad pyramids of dark, lustrous green. As they retain the foliage for several years, they are very dense.
We recommend their use as ornaments in a group, rather than windbreaks or screens. They thrive best in company with other evergreens where their roots can penetrate deeply into unfrozen ground and where they are protected from the severest winds. Then they are hardy and long-lived. Our trees are growing wide apart and are frequently root-pruned. Like the Orien- tal Spruce with which it grows in the mountains of Asia Minor, it has long, coarse roots.
Silver. A. picea; syn., A. pectinata. This is the common timber Fir of Central Europe. We have a number of large trees, 10 to 16 feet high, which we offer at less than the cost of growing them because they are not reliably hardy, becoming brown in severe winters in exposed places.
Veitch's. A. Veitchii. This is the color of the Nordmann's Fir, but with even more of the sil- very sheen on the lower side of the foliage. It is a taller and more narrow growing tree. It appears to be perfectly hardy in both foliage and bud. This and A. homolepis will, in our opinion, prove to be the best Japanese conifers.
Concolor, or White. A. concolor. Of all the good plants from the Colorado mountains, we would place this in the first rank. It is nearly as blue as the far-famed Colorado Blue Spruce, but it is not so decidedly different from the normal
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
35
Fir, conoolor, continued color of evergreens and, therefore, can be used in larger masses. It is a tree with an appear- ance of stability, of rich elegance and dig- nity. No insect, fungus or climate troubles have developed. It is per- fectly hardy, even on the seacoast of New England. It is broader, more solid and perma- nent-looking than most of the other evergreens, and promises to be a long-lived tree, retain- ing its lower branches in perfect condition.
The reason it has not become more com- monly planted is be- cause of its compara- tively recent discov- ery and the more start- ling novelty, the Colo- rado Blue Spruce.
Most of the. plantf are supplied from Europe, and some are grafted from side
shoots, making crooked trees. Another trouble is that some of the foreign stock is of the variety native to California, and, therefore, not so hardy. It has long, coarse roots, and occasional root- pruning is necessary to keep it in condition for successful transplanting.
We have grown onr larger trees in squares where they have ample room to develop, so that they can be root-pruned. It may be a trite saying that it should be in every collection, at least in every collection that has room for a dozen trees of medium growth. Cephalonian. A. Cephalonica. Named from the island it inhabits on the west coast of Greece. It resembles the Nordmann's Fir and makes a broad, dark green tree of rich and solid appearance. Siberian. A. Sibirica. A promising, rapid-growing Fir of soft foliage; lighter green in color than the other Firs.
Eraser's Balsam. A. Fraseri. This is native of the southern Allegheny mountains, and, so far as we have tested it, makes a handsome, narrow pyramid of dark green foliage with the delightful spicy aroma familiar to those who know the balsam pillows. It promises to be better adapted to this climate than the Balsam Fir of the north- ern forests. We have a number of well-formed specimens offered at low rates.
Sub-Alpine. A. sub-alpina. A handsome, blue- green species from the Rocky mountains, resem- bling Concolor Fir.
Noble. A. nobilis glauca. A dwarf, compact bush of bluish foliage, of value only in collections.
American Hemlock
(Tsuga Canadensis)
The most graceful evergreen for this region. It is native to Long Island, but that fact is known to very few people because of its rarity at present. Like the White Pine, it was probably cut off by the early settlers and the remnants nearly exterminated
Concolor Firs moved by Hicks Tree-Moving apparatus for Mr. H. McK. Twombly,
Madison, N. J.
American Hemlock, continued
by the forest fires and crowding of deciduous trees. It is now growing wild at Oyster Bay, Cold Spring, East Norwich, Wheatly, Glen Cove, Roslyn, Port Washington, and The Alley at Little Neck.
It is not good for seaside planting. There is a map published by the New York Commission for Additional Water Supply, showing the amount of salt, or sodium chloride in the rain-water on different parts of Long Island. At Southampton there are sixteen parts of chlorine in a million parts of water. In the center of Long Island there are four parts and on the north shore seven parts. The California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium), native to the coast of Japan, thrives best and is hardiest where there is the most salt, not because of the salt, but because the ocean influence makes the climate moist and equable.
Hemlock thrives best where there is the least ocean influence. It is damaged on the south shore of Long Island by the warm winter winds from the ocean, which excite the transpiration of sap from the foliage. These winds are alternate with dry, cold, northwest winds. A few hundred yards from the coast, the Hemlock will thrive if in a grove of trees or shrubs of similar size.
We woul-d not advise planting Hemlock isolated on the crest of a bare hill. If you want a Hemlock hedge in such a position, trim the plants to make them dense.
We have a large stock of extra-sized Hemlocks, 5 to 9 feet high, that have been sheared to dense, handsome pyramids. They are suitable for hedges or screen groups, windbreaks and massing about the foundation of a house. Such Hemlocks are especial- ly valuable for planting around the base of groups of tall Cedars. It frequently occurs that Cedars 20 to 30 feet high are planted as a screen to buildings, as windbreaks, or background for flower gardens. The bases of such trees are occasionally bare of foli- age and irregular. The Hemlocks are naturally full at the base, and their graceful outlines give a touch of beauty to the groups.
36
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station. N. Y.— Evergreens
American Hemlock, continued
Another quality of Hemlock is but little appre- ciated— its ability to stand shade. No other ever- green except the Yew exceeds it in this respect. Hemlocks should be planted in the edges of wood- land, along woodland drives and on steep north slopes. A Long Island forest is often a monotonous collection of nearly uniform telegraph poles, and one of the difficult landscape problems with new residences in such situations is planting the border and interior of such woodland.
One solution is to plant Hemlock, Yew, Cephalo- taxus Fortunei in the shadiest portions with White Pine, Norway and Douglas Spruce where there is half sunshine. For deciduous planting, add Beech and White Birch where they can have a sunny position, backed by the darkest evergreens. Plant, also, Flowering Dogwood, Red-flowering Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Judas, Azalea, Golden Bell, Dwarf Horse -Chestnut, Viburnum, Laurel, Holly and Rhododendron, with the following vines to climb the tree trunks. Bitter Sweet, Euonymus radicans, Honeysuckle, Climbing Roses, Trumpet Creeper, Virginia Creeper and Wistaria. Besides these, there are a host of small woodland wild flow- ers and bulbs. We offer Hemlocks up to 24 feet in height.
Carolina. Tsuga Caroliniana. The Carolina Hem- lock is a hardy, handsome tree of lighter green color and foliage wider apart than the common.
Old Hemlock Hedge
We offer about 400 feet of hedge, as illustrated on page II. It is about 30 years old and has a mature, long-established appearance. It most closely re-
Screen to stable at Oyster Bay, L. I.
Old Hemlock Hedge, continued
sembles the famous Yew hedges of England. There are thousands of dollars annually wasted by im- porting English Yew, which dies or gets ragged in a few years. This hedge has been root-pruned to prepare it for successful transplanting. It can be taken up in numbered sections and planted as it was before. It is far cheaper than brick or stone walls to surround a formal garden, and much more beautiful and has none of the raw, new look of such walls. It can be delivered on our tree-movers over a wide radius on the good roads of Long Island, or it can be shipped by rail.
This hedge offers an unequaled opportunity to architects and landscape architects to obtain im- mediate results for their clients.
See similar hedge that we moved for laundry- yard screen for Mr. W. G. Oakman.
Juniper • Juniperus
Common. Juniperus communis, var. Canadcnsis. This is a common plant on the abandoned pas- tures of New England, and is occasionally found wild on Long Island. It forms a broad, spreading mat of ascending branches, sometimes 15 feet wide and 3 feet high. It is a useful plant for low evergreen groups or for edging taller groups for the top of a terrace or near the seashore. Golden. /. communis, var. Canadensis aurea. This is the best low golden evergreen. It is of a bright clear color and remains low. We have a stock of it which has been sheared and roots pruned and gives good mature effect, the plants being 5 to 8 years old.
We recommend it for beds of ever- greens, as described under Retinospora. Prostrate, or Trailing. J. Sabina, var. pros- trata. This is a very distinct species, being wholly prostrate and spreading along the ground in wide circles. It has a dark green color and a moss-like texture. Along the coast of Maine it clings to the rock within reach of the surf. It is appropriate for the top of a stone wall, at the side of terrace steps, or at the edge of groups of evergreens. In the dry portion of a rock-garden, it will be especially at home. Some of the plants are a dark green color and others blue, the latter being the variety Hud-
Chinese. J. Chinensis, var. procumbens. This is an even more compact bed of moss than the preceding. In Japan it is used for holding the drifting sand dunes, showing that their horticulture has advanced farther than ours in making plants work for man- kind. The oldest plant in our Nursery is 5 feet in diameter and about 8 inches high. It has been growing ten years. The plant makes such an even growth as to suggest its use instead of grass in covering the ground. The color in winter is a brighter green than any similar evergreen. It is pleasant to walk upon.
Irish. /. communis, var. Hibernica. While this plant has decided uses in landscape gardening, we have decided to grow as little of it as possible because it is so fre- quently winter-killed. It is a narrow pillar, perhaps I foot in diameter and 6 feet high.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
37
Group of Scotch, Austrian, Red and Mugho Pines planted in 1893 from our plans made for Mr. J.F. D. Lanier, now the residence of Mr. Chas. R. Steele, Westbury. We have Pines like these for immediate shipment, and little Pines that will grow such forests for $ 1 0 per acre.
White Pine • Pinus Strobus
See back cover for large-moved Pine
The White Pine is the biggest and noblest evergreen of its region. It is native from the southern Appalachian mountains to Long Island, Canada and westward to Minnesota. It is the most valuable timber tree of the region, and the rapid advance in price shows the folly in this country of not heeding the example of European countries and encouraging a second growth, either by natural seeding from a few mother trees left for the purpose, or by artificial planting. The preservation of forests on the water-sheds is important; it lessens destruction from floods and loss from low water for navigation and power. In the state of Maine there are many people who say that they have cut hay or dug potatoes thirty or forty years ago, where now the portable saw-mills turn out a highly profitable crop of White Pine lumber. The land was abandoned, and was re-seeded by old trees standing a few hundred feet away. These areas would be very much more profit- able, if, like the forests of Germany and France, the trees had been planted or thinned out to uniform distances, thus making clear lumber.
You have realized the need of forest preservation for the generation now living and for the future. Here is a chance to try it. Small trees have probably not been offered to you that are cheap and sure to grow. Now is the time to start. You and all who see and hear about the forest you planted will learn how easy it is to grow timber. Perhaps your land is too valuable for a crop of timber. It is an object lesson and a good investment, nevertheless. The trees will improve the selling value of your land. They will improve its value for residences.
In our Nursery you will see beds of White Pine two years old. They look as even as green moss. The Professors of Forestry say that this is the economical size to plant. With compound interest for thirty or fifty years, it makes a great difference how cheaply the plantation is started. Planting a Pine forest is simple — open a cleft and plant. When that fact is generally known, there will be a great advance in forestry in this country. The unknown and imaginary difficulties of growing trees, and fire protection, are as great a handicap as the American get-rich- quick spirit, and the annual tax on growing timber.
>*
Pine and Oak is the strongest, best, longest-lived, cheapest to start and maintain; beautiful combination for Long Island. Planted on the gravelly side - hill next the railroad, on the grounds of Mr. Clarence H. Mackey, Roslyn. Guy Lowell, Landscape Architect.
38
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
White Pines in Westbury Nurseries, \% ft. high, 4 yrs. Bushy plants, with good roots and not crowded. The size for
economical planting, and old enough to grow rapidly
White Pine, continued
If you wish a forest planted, we will visit the ground, report, and may be able to do part of the work. The Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture sends experts to inspect forest property and report on the best treatment.
So much for the forestry side of the White Pine. Most of our customers are interested in its use for ornament, windbreak and screen.
White Pines are very rapid in their growth. We can show you plants that have grown from I foot to 9 feet
in height in three seasons. Such a tree is apt
to be open in its young stage, and a slightly
slower growth will make a denser tree. The
White Pine may be made to grow in a dense
form by nipping back the tips of the leading
side shoots in June or July. If it seems too
large for your situation, try this experiment
and you will be surprised to see what hand- some, dense foliage it will make
White Pines are easy to transplant. The
loss from transplanting is very small or fre- quently nothing. It naturally makes an
abundance of fibrous roots and no tap-root.
It is able to recover quickly from the shock
of transplanting, even with a small amount of
roots.
We have the White Pine in all sizes,
from 2 inches to 40 feet high, and can trans- plant them with equal success; in fact, with
the large sizes we recall no failures. August
and September planting has been just as
successful as March, April and May. With
the sizes above 10 feet transplanting from
7 wo methods of packing small Evergreens.— On the left, ball of earth in burlap; on the right, roots coated with thick mud to prevent evaporation, and packed in damp sphagnum moss
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Evergreens
39
White Pine, continued
October to March and June to August has been entirely successful. When other people forget that tree-planting can be done and discontinue ordering, then is the time — mid-winter or midsummer — that we move large evergreens for ourselves, and rind it both economical and successful.
Can you not profit by this example and order Pines, Cedars and other evergreens moved in the slack season? The trees are here; you have only to call and see them, or write. We own White Pines in different parts of the country and can look up others. We can send tree-mover and men to move them for you. Some landscape architects have not become accustomed to the successful planting of large trees, and the knowledge that an abundant supply is available. Therefore, their clients have to wait 10 to 20 years for results which we can furnish in one or two years.
Pitch Pine • Pinus rigida
Pitch Pine is the most abundant evergreen on Long Island. Not one person in a hundred knows its beauty and value for landscape planting. The reason for this is that over 90 per cent of the Pitch Pine forests have been repeatedly burned over, de- stroying the lower branches of the trees and, what is worse, destroying the best qualities of the soil.
By the way, these forest fires in the Pine and scrub Oak forests are largely responsible for the poor reputation of a large part of Long Island. These forest fires can be largely prevented by apply- ing the State Fire Warden Law, as it is in the Adirondacks.
The Pitch Pine has a dense, round head of sunny green color. It looks alive all winter. It is a pleasure to rest the eye on a grove of young trees with their embossed and rounded sky-line. They need no care, and thrive best on the poorest soil. For the first few years they make more bulk than any other evergreen, except the Scotch Pine. For the seaside they are the best long-lived Pine yet tested for Long Island.
Professor C. S. Sargent, Director of Arnold Arboretum, Harvard, says of it "This tree is valu- able because it can be raised more quickly and cheaply in the northern states than any other coni- fer from seeds scattered broadcast on the ground or sowed in shallow drills; and no other conifer grows here so rapidly on dry, sterile gravels, which it soon covers with dense forests. It is often valuable, too, where the soil is poor, as an ornamental tree, and in old age it frequently becomes extremely pictur- esque with its dark red-brown roughened and deeply fissured bark, contorted branches and sparse dark yellow-green rigid leaves which stand out stiffly from the branchlets."
Between Babylon and Bay Shore there are old trees of it with the White Pine. The sea influence has prevented the White Pine reaching it's best development, but the Pitch Pines are venerable old trees, well worthy of their position in a lawn.
The Pitch Pine should form the backbone of groups. It is especially adapted to what the geologists call the Rockaway gravel, a formation occuring only from Lynbrook to Far Rockaway. It can be kept low and bushy by an occasional trimming and look- ing much better than the balloon- shaped shrubs as usually pruned in that region.
The reason our Pines make a goo<J vigorous growth the first year, not short bunchy tips, is because we have them root- pruned to produce numerous fibrous roots, and no expense or skill is spared to save them in digging. The roots are wrapped against the ball and burlapped. In the center an 8-foot Hemlock crated for shipment.
40
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.—EI?ergreens
Planting of small Pines on estate of Mr. E. D. Morgan. The heavier growth on the left illustrates the fact that the section of the genus containing the Scotch, Pitch and Austrian Pines grow faster when young than the White Pines on the right
Pitch Pine, continued
Sand bluffs along the shore of Long Island Sound are rapidly wasting away, narrowing the lawns and sometimes endangering residences. Sea-walls hold the bottom. Pitch Pine will help hold the sliding bank at a steeper angle than sod. The sod requires that the bank be graded back less steep, needs good soil, roots only a few inches deep and may slip or dry out. Pitch Pine, Cedar and other evergreens root deeply, thrive on sterile sand and salt spray and work all the year. Damage is most severe in winter. The wind blows the sand loose ; even when frozen, and, thawing, lets the sur- face slide. The drifting snow carries sand with it.
Pitch Pine, continued
Beating rains gully out the bluff and carry the sand down. Pitch Pine will check all this. It keeps the wind off, holds the snow, prevents th e frequent thawing, and lessens the gullying by the rain. Its deep roots anchor it and check sliding, and it holds the accumulating leaf-mold from the trees and shrubs which should accom- pany it. Road banks, steep terrace slopes, old sand pits, all provide economical uses for Pitch Pine. For holding sand dunes it may be worth thousands of dollars to many landowners. On Cape Cod the government uses it to prevent the drifting of sand. Plant 5 to 10 feet apart.
Residence of Mr. J. S. Phipps, Westbury, L. I. White Pines planted by us on Hicks Tree-Mover, June, 1907, photo- graphed August, '07. We have large Pines ready for immediate delivery any week in the year, and have invented methods to make them succeed.
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, !7V- Y.— Evergreens
41
Pine, continued
Scotch. P. sylvestris. For a quick, sym- metrical, cheerful blue-green tree, plant the Scotch Pine. Mix in permanent trees, as White Pines, White Spruce, Englemann's Spruce and Cedar. In a mixed grove of various Pines fifteen years old, the Scotch Pine is largest and broadest. The tree is of good shape with full, round top. It is so dense when young that it has good value as a screen. We have grown large quantities from seed collected on Long Island. The trees are bushy, vigorous, and have good roots. They will give as much screen for the money as any evergreen we offer. Ever- green groves should be thinned out, and, as these are short-lived, they will remind the owner of the necessary thinning in twenty years or more. For planting on the sea- shore it should be largely used, either alone or mixed with the White Spruce, Pitch and Austrian Pine and Red Cedar.
Austrian. P. Larico, var. Austriaca. If the Austrian Pine would live in good condition seventy-five years, there would be no fault to find with it. The foliage is a good pure green, the form is round, full and solid. The needles are stiffer than any other Pine, and seem able to resist salt spray, dry winds and drought. In the central parts of Long Island it is a handsome tree for twenty or thirty years. Near the sea-coast it lives longer. The best Pines that have been planted along the south shore of Long Island from Far Rockaway to South- ampton are the Austrian. On the main- land our statement of its being short-lived is frequently refuted by examples of old trees.
Pinus densiflora. Professor Sargent, Direc- tor of Arnold Arboretum, says: "Although an exceedingly picturesque and beautiful tree, it is rarely used by the Japanese as an ornamental plant, although it is a common inhabitant of their artificial forests. This tree is hardy in New England where it is already beginning to assume its mature, picturesque habit. So far as can be judged by an experience of twenty-five years, this appears to be the most promising of the two-leaved Pines introduced into the eastern states from foreign countries." In the arboretum of the late Charles A. Dana there is a broad, low, flat-topped tree from which we have obtained our stock. The color is a clear, dark living green even in mid-winter. We recommend them highly for mixing in mass plantings and covering sandy areas.
Red, or Norway. P. resinosa. A handsome, dark, symmetrical and dense tree, which shows no ground for criticism. In foliage and form it resembles the Austrian Pine, but the needles are not so stiff, and are darker green. The foliage remains on two or three years. It is named from Norway, Maine, and is native from there to Minnesota in dry soil. It will make a beautiful tree on the Pine barrens of Long Island, for it grows with the Pitch Pine on dry, and sterile gravel. We hope to grow it largely, and advise planters to mix in a few to get acquainted with its merits.
Mugho, or Mountain. P. montana, var. Mughus. The dwarf of a family of giants. Use it with the flat-growing Junipers to cover hillsides where
The planting of some of our cheap Scotch Pines to cover a terrace bank. Planted in May, photographed in August
The Scotch Pines, \ )4 feet high, which we offer will do this in five years. Windbreak to a garden on the bleakest part of Hempstead Plains, at residence of the late Sidney Dillon Ripley
Scotch Pine Grove on Pratt Estate, Glen Cove, planted on sandy ground, has furnished the most economical landscape treatment
Pine, Mugho, continued
tall Pines would shut out the view. To get a quick temporary cover, put in the Scotch, Pitch or Densiflora Pines, cut them back, and cut them out altogether before they crowd the Mugho Pine. In the Alps they cover large areas with a thicket as high as a man's head. On the brink of a precipice they cling to dry rock, and bend beneath the avalanches. Use it similarly on the top of a wall.
42
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
Grooe of Austrian Pine near the breakwater at Pratt Estate, Glen Cove, showing their ability to stand salt spray
Pine, Mugho, continued
Plant at the foundations of buildings, at the angles of roads and paths and to feather down a group of tall evergreens.
Scrub. P. contorta. A vigorous, rapid -growing species, having the appearance of the Pitch and Jack Pines. It makes numerous side branches at intervals along each season's growth and, therefore, it forms a dense top. Native from Alaska southward.
Jack. P. divaricata; syn., Banksiana. The Jack Pine. Grows on the thinnest and driest soils; across the bay from Mount Desert we have seen it growing in an inch of rock fragments on top of granite. In the nursery it is one of the most rapid-growing Pines, with an irregular, pictur- esque top.
Bull, or Western Yellow. P. ponder osa. The most important timber Pine of the Rocky moun- tains. It resembles the Austrian Pine, but has longer, whitish green needles.
Pinus parviflora. A Pine from eastern Asia that is worthy a place in collections of choice trees. It is a neat tree of moderate growth and beauti- ful blue-green color. It is a good companion to the Swiss Stone Pine, being more irregular and picturesque in growth.
Swiss Stone. P. cembra. A tree for small groups where a large tree would be out of place. It is a compact, symmetrical tree of blue-green color.
Rocky Mountain White, or Limber. P. flexilis. A rare species from the Rocky mountains. Hardy and of slow growth.
Bhutan. P. excelsa; syn., P. Nephalensis. The Himalayan representative of the White Pine. It is a very handsome young tree with luxuriant long foliage, making a dense, broad pyramid. The leaves are longer than the White Pine and hang down. Unfortunately, this Pine was partly winter-killed in the winter of 1903-04 under the Ked Fine :(f. resinosa) on i the estate of Mr. Chas. R. same conditions that killed California Privet.
Jsteele, Westbury, L. I. This is one of the most sturdy and It is worth planting with other Pines and especi-
beautiful Pines, and planters are fortunate that we can offer ally on dry soils where the winter-killing need not
a stock of specimens larger than this. be feared.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
43
Pine, continued
Korean. Pinus Koraiensis. This is a beauti- ful tree of blue-green foliage and compact, symmetrical growth. It is entirely hardy and promises to be a long-lived tree. As a food plant it takes high rank, and there is a probability of its being the best nut Pine for this region. In Arizona and ad- jacent states, the Indians get a large part of their living from the Pinyon Pines.
Umbrella. Sciadopitys verticillata . A little tree that ranks with Boxwood and Palms in dignity, refinement and aristocratic bearing, having the rich color and texture of such plants. It forms a narrow pyramid 3 to 10 feet high, of leaves 5 inches long, arranged like the rays of an umbrella.
Retinospora
Japan Cypress ; Chamaecyparis
For the summer beauty of evergreens, Retinospora pisifera and its varieties, R. plu- mosa, R. plumosa aurea, R. squarrosa and R. filifera are unexcelled. After the severe weather of mid-winter they take on a dull green color like the American Arborvitse, but not as decidedly so. _
We have a large stock of these varieties trained into dense, broad domes and pyramids. They are worth two or three times as much as the usual Retinosporas of similar height. Their density and symmetry give them the appearance of age and long established planting. The density of their growth lessens the damage from snow in winter. They are grown wide apart and we move them with three to five times as heavy a ball of earth as is customary, therefore, they are in the best possible condition to give good results. (See page 44.)
The prices quoted are low for their quality.
A frequent use for them is to plant at the base of new buildings or terraces. Another use is to make beds of evergreens on the borders of a lawn or to edge down groups of taller Pines and Cedars. Horticulturally, these close plantings are just what
Residence of Mr. J. Rogers Maxwell, Glen Cove, L. I. Mugho Pines are the low cushion-shaped trees which will finish off the group of taller Austrian Pines. (See page 4 1 .)
they like best, for they do not like to stand alone on
a wind-swept hill.
Retinospora plumosa. Chamacyparis pisifera, var. plumosa. This is a fleecy and plumy pyramid of light green foliage. It should be used as a back- ground or foil for the other varieties. There is no evergreen more delicate in its detail of foliage than this.
At Newport it is extensively used with the
Bed of fancy <
ice of Mr. Walter G. Oakman, Roslyn, L. I. It contains Retinospora, Dwarf Arborvitae, Nordmann's Fir, Boxwood, Spruce and Mugho Pine
44
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
Nassau County Court House. Wm. B. Tubby, Architect. The landscape plan and stock from the Westbury Nur- series. Evergreen borders of Retinospora, Spruce, Gedar, Laurel, Boxwood, Yucca and Euonymus radicans. Corner illus- tration is of our Retinospora squarrosa, 5 feet high, showing broad, dense top and large ball of earth. Compare it with narrow, imported stock.
Retinospora plumosa, continued
other Retinosporas in evergreen beds in a type of design that is there highly developed. The bed is designed against an entrance or side of a lawn and with long, flowing curves. It may be 15 feet wide and 30 feet long. This bed is divided into sections of different color. The evergreens used mostly are Retinosporas of the following varie- ties : Plumosa, Plumosa aurea and Squarrosa; Arborvitse in the following varieties: Golden, Dwarf, Siberian; and Yew in the followng va- rieties: Golden, English and Japanese. As these grow, they are kept trimmed to a solid, even mass, sloping from the back toward the front. This type of design is really carpet-bedding, using ever- greens the same as Coleus, Geraniums and other tender plants.
R. plumosa aurea (Golden Japan Cypress). C. pisifera, var. plumosa aurea. This is a bright, cheerful golden_yellow all the year. This and the Golden Arborvitae are the two best yellow ever- greens, and may be used where a strong contrast is desired.
R. squarrosa (Blue Japan Cypress). C. pisifera, var. squarrosa. This is the handsomest, small, blue evergreen for the summer and autumn deco- ration of small areas. It grows as a dense, fleecy pyramid. Each branch is graceful as an ostrich
Retinospora squarrosa, continued
plume, and when beset with dew it sparkles like diamonds.
Our plants are unusually wide and dense from repeated shearing. We recommend them highly for the purposes indicated for Plumosa, and for decorating formal gardens.
R. filifera. C. pisifera, var. filifera. This is another of the curious varieties developed by the Japa- nese from the wild species. It is a broad cone of light green foliage, the tips of the foliage being long, green threads, gracefully arching outward and downward.
R. obtusa (Obtuse-leaved Japan Cypress). This differs from all the preceding, being a distinct species, and in appearance it stands in a class by itself. The foliage is a very dark, deep green, rivaling the Yew and Nordmann's Fir. A peculiar beauty of this species is the formation of the lights and shadows. The foliage is in small, curved, shell-like fronds.
R. obtusa nana. (Dwarf Obtuse-leaved Japan Cy- press). This pigmy is very dark green, slow- growing and compact, gaining but a few inches per year. It is useful for edging groups of slow- growing evergreens or in a rock-garden. It is a form which the Japanese grow as dwarfs in pots for a century.
Raising evergreens from seed in the middle Atlantic states has not been customery, because it is easy to import or to grow from cuttings; but such are not all reliably hardy or happy in dry soil. We have grown evergreens from seed of Long Island trees and others of similar climates. It has required scientific knowledge, foresight and skill. The result is ready. Will you take advantage of it ? Evergreens mean comfort and beauty. They are coming into fashion. It is right that they should, because the beau- tiful and hardy evergreens are now available.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Evergreens
45
Windbreak and Screen of Norway Spruce, separating vegetable and small-fruit garden from the lawn, at residence of Mr. J. R. Maxwell, Glen Cove. We have 160,000 White Spruce that will make such dense, narrow, permanent hedges better than the Norway Spruce. Now is the economical time to buy them.
Spruces • Picea
Erroneously Abies, including Pseudotsuga
The Spruce family ranks equal with the Pines. It is less planted for lumber, but more used for orna- mental planting and windbreak. All the Spruces are pointed trees, sprightly and cheerful in appearance.
Norway Spruce • Picea excelsa
The most rapid-growing of the family, but not the handsomest. It is excellent for hedges, as it stands clipping well, and if kept widest at the base, so that the sun reaches the lower branches, it will keep thick to the ground. A young and vigorous Norway Spruce is a handsome tree. To keep it so, nip off the tips of the leading branches. Otherwise, the trees may become open, ragged and haggard in appearance when twenty to seventy-five years old.
The dislike for all evergreens expressed by a few people is based mainly upon Norway Spruces under this condition. It is about the only evergreen they have known. The American nurserymen are partly to blame for this opinion. It has been easier to import Norway Spruce than to collect seed of better species. They grow quickly when young and arc easy to transplant. The buyer of trees is also partly to blame because he could heretofore generally get a bigger tree for the money in Norway Spruce than of better kinds. We recommend the Norway Spruce for hedges, screens, planting on steep sand banks, and as a quick-growing filler in groups of orna- mental evergreens to be moved later.
White Spruce •
The measure of our faith in stock of 160,000 trees.
Perhaps sixty years ago, schooners and sent them to A few White Spruce trees were in what is now the garden of Winthrop. They are now 60
Picea alba
White Spruce is our
Joseph Hicks built Maine for lumber.
brought and planted Mr. Robert Dudley feet high, full and
dense from ground to top, in decided contrast to the gaunt and rusted Norway Spruces of the same age.
At the arboretum of the late Charles A. Dana, Glen Cove, there are trees of similar age within 50 yards of the sea-wall, fully exposed to the sweep of winds across Long Island Sound. They are in per- fect condition, and a beautiful blue-green, unin- jured by the severest winter. On the Rockaway peninsula there are a number of specimens that arc thriving excellently, being the handsomest evergreens planted and the only old ones dense at the base. At numerous other points along the ocean front on Long Island, there are handsome dense specimens.
On the Hempstead Plains, even in the most wind- swept portions of Garden City, the White Spruce has proven to be the handsomest evergreen.
Why have we praised both the White Pine and the White Spruce as the best evergreens? The White Pine is a broad-shouldered, old giant, stretch- ing his arms widely against the sky. The White Spruce, with her narrow, neat skirts, will make the world just as happy and beautiful and occupy less space. The White Spruce is a symmetrical tree, with a conical head. The numerous branchlets keep it always dense and, therefore, it is sure to remain an efficient screen and windbreak, because the lower branches are retained as long as the tree has suffi- cient space. The bluish green, glaucous foliage makes •ts appearance always cheerful and bright. A group of them is never gloomy. We have never heard any one criticise its appearance or its adaptibility to this region.
The Norway Spruce has seme decided faults when old, being open, ragged and sometimes dismal.
46
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N, Y. — Evergreens
White Spruce in the park of Mr. H. McK. Twombly, Madison, N. J. They screen the house from the entrance drive until a good point of view is reached. They also help stop the noise and smoke from the railroad. No evergreen surpasses the White Spruce in beauty, utility and health in that 1 ,000 acre park and arboretum.
White Spruce, continued]
The White Spruce is liable to suffer from the bad reputation of its relative, especially from those people who are not sufficiently alert to see the good things and learn the points of difference. One reason that people, have not become acquainted with the merits of the White Spruce is because so very few of them have been planted in years past. Naturally, the European nurserymen do not grow many of them because their own species fit their conditions better and grow more rapidly. American nursery- men have not grown them because of the difficulty of starting them from seed. We do not know of any nurserymen in the eastern part of the United States
White Spruce on the lawn of Mrs. John H. Cheever, next the ocean, Far Rockaway, L. I. It is on poor gravelly soil. The fiercest gales and salt spray only serve to make the foliage thicker.
who have grown evergreens in large quantities from seed. One large Long Island nursery which, years ago, made a specialty of evergreens, gave up growing them from seed because of the difficulties in the first month. Our own first attempt largely failed.
By scientific experiment to determine the proper temperature of the soil and degree of moisture and light, we got them past their infantile troubles. After they are a month old and have begun to form woody fiber in the stem and make the second whorl of leaves, they are easy to grow.
Therefore, buy these little plants and plant them in beds. An economical way is to plow and harrow the ground smooth. Mark it off into squares of about 8 inches by a marker made like a big rake. Plant them with a dibber in the same A manner as cabbage. Pack the ground firmly around the roots. Watering is not necessary if the ground is moist. Cultivate with a wheel hoe. In November mulch with 5 inches of leaves. Throw on a half-inch of soil to keep the leaves from blowing away. In spring, un- cover, but let the mulch remain between the plants. Very few weeds will appear, the mulch being cheaper than cultivation. In two or three years the plants will be i>2 to 2^2 feet high or more, and can be planted out in their permanent positions and will need no cultivation, being strong enough to overcome the grass, weeds and bushes. This is easy, cheap and sure. Will you do it?
The amount of capital needed has been the principal reason for not making large plan- tations of evergreens. The above is one way to overcome that objection. Many people buy land and do little or nothing to develop it for several years, when trees might be grow- ingthisway. The land, rain and sunshine cost them practically nothing. A nurseryman has to charge for the use of his land. It is lack of knowledge, decision and foresight that pre- vents getting the most out of the investment. It is the wealthiest people who buy the small- est trees. They have the most foresight. Another way is to plant the little Pines or Spruces 3 inches to I foot high in the grass and briers, and let them alone. They will come along all right.
No. 1, 2-year White Spruce; No. 3, 3-year plant ; No. 5, 4-year plant; No. 4, our stock of 160,000 2-year White Spruce. How many do you want ? No. 2, marking off and transplanting White Spruce during the August drought, 1907, ; No. 6, block of White Spruce, Concolor Fir and Douglas Spruce in our Nursery.
47i
48
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
White Spruce Hedge at the entrance court at the residence of Mr. Charles Steele, Westbury, L. I. Now is the time to
secure plants at low cost
Spruce, continued
Englemann's. Picea Englemanni. Some day this will be as popular as the Colorado Blue Spruce. It is also from Colorado, and gives every promise
Spruce, Englemann's, continued
of being longer-lived. The oldest specimens in cultivation are dense, narrow pyramids, retaining their lower branches. The color differs from the Colorado Blue Spruce. It is more blue and less white or sage-colored. It is a little bluer than the White Spruce and slower in growth. Plant a few among other evergreens to add contrast.
Colorado. P. pungens. This is a green form of the well-known Colorado Blue Spruce. In its native forests it is the most common. In a batch of seed- lings there will be this form, which is blue-green, fading to sage-green in winter, and different
rn, I r Charles K
nice /rom our Nursery, planted on the bleak Hempstead Plains as a windbreak on the property of Mrs. . ers. 1 he Hempstead Plains are 7,000 acres, from one to twelve miles from New York City line, a wind- swept prairie which cost the late A. T. Stewart in 1868 about $45 per acre. How many millions more would they be they were planted ? Groups of this Spruce and the drought-resisting Oaks and Pines would do more than anything ;lse, except better tram service, to increase its value for all-the-year residence. We can supply this size in any quantity.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, 7\[. Y. — 'Evergreens
49
Spruce, Colorado, continued
shades of blue, varying from the green to the color of the Roster's Colorado Blue Spruce. It is a strong, vigorous tree, making a broad pyramid. It was first introduced by Dr. Parry, who sent seeds from Colorado in 1861, and first raised by Asa Gray in Harvard Botanical Garden. On the older specimens cultivated in the East, the lower branches are already be- ginning to die. It is a good seaside tree and should be included in most groups of evergreens for the contrast of its gray-green foliage.
Colorado Blue. P. pungens, var. glauca. These are selected from seedlings of the above and are blue-green, or sage-color. Being so striking a contrast and a high- priced novelty it has become widely known and much sought after, and promises to remain in fashion for many years to come. In the harmonious grouping of evergreens, it is rather difficult to place as it attracts too much attention to itself. It appears to say, "Look at me; I cost more than all the rest." It cheerfully lights up a dark corner and harmonizes with a background of Englemann's Spruce and White Spruce, graded back to the darker Pines and Firs. The scintillations of its silvery sheen are like a lace of hoar-frost sparkling in the sun. We have hundreds of these trees and be- lieve that we are offering one of the cheap- est opportunities to get trees of good, dis- tinct blue color.
Roster's Colorado Blue. P. pungens, var. glauca Kosterii. This bears the name of an enterprising nurseryman who selected an extra-blue tree from which to graft. The color of a block of trees is more uniform than the above. Our stock has been grown here for some time, has large balls of roots, and has become well acclimated.
Oriental. P. orientals. This is the best tall, dark, narrow column. On the Cowl place at Great
Oriental Spruce on the grounds of Mr. Clarkson Cowl, Great Neck, L. I., showing its superiority to the Norway Spruce on the right, which is ragged and open. White Spruce is equally superior with the added advantage of a cheerful blue-green color.
Spruce, Oriental, continued
Neck, there is an avenue of magnificent speci- mens 45 feet high and 20 feet broad. This species always presents a dense mass of foliage be- cause it retains its foliage for eight or nine years,
Douglas Spruce and White Birch at Maxwelton, Glen Cove. Pine, Oak, Spruce and Birch compose well in the land- scape, and they like each other's company
50
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.—lLbergreens
Spruce, Oriental, continued
therefore it never gets open or ragged or gloomy. Of course, a lawn planted with this in excess would be too somber and ponderous. The art of landscape design with plants consists largely in arranging the lights and shadows, and the various shades of green. The Oriental Spruce offers the best color of its form. Another ever- green of that form is the Balsam Fir, common in the northern forest, but, unfortunately, it does not retain its lower branches when over 10 feet high in this vicinity. Another dark evergreen is the Nordmann's Fir, which is a much broader pyramid with larger foliage, giving a different texture. The Japanese Yew is equally as dark. A prominent landscape architect says that he would use Oriental Spruce much more often if it was not so difficult to transplant. Like the Hickory tree it first builds a sure foundation of long and deep roots. We grow our plants wide apart and frequently dig a trench around them to root-prune them and make a dense mass of fibrous roots. They are comparatively rare in nurseries because of the difficulty of transplanting them and because they are slow to get to salable size. However, they are not slow-growing when in their permanent location. We advise their use in various soils and situations, where a collection of the best evergreens is wanted.
Douglas. Pseudotsuga Douglasii; syn., Pseudo- tsuga mucronata. We recommend this tree highly because of its rapid growth and because it keeps in good condition. The highest authority on trees says of it: "It is one of the most beautiful and valuable of American conifers, promising to sur- pass in permanence and mature beauty the other conifers of western America." It was introduced by Dr. Parry with the Colorado and Englemann's Spruce in 1861. Like the other Colorado ever- greens it has a beautiful green or glaucous sheen
Japanese Yew. In the background are sheared Cedars planted by us in the formal garden designed by Daniel Lang- ton, Landscape Architect for the late Mr. Robert L. Stevens.
Spruce, Douglas, continued
to the foliage. Its habit, however, is entirely different from the Colorado Blue Spruce or Englemann's Spruce, lacking their sturdy, stiff appearance. The long, graceful shoots arch out- ward. The foliage is always dense and the long lower branches sweep the ground.
The Latin name indicates its botanical relation to the Hemlock. Its softer texture and more graceful outline suggest its being grouped with the Hemlock, and where the graceful effect of the Hemlock is desired in places too windy for the latter. It grows as rapidly as the Norway Spruce and we recommend that it be substituted.
We make a careful study of the climate and soil of the region from which we get our seed. The value of this to our customers is well illus- trated by this species. We ordered seed which was said to have been collected at 8,000 feet ele- vation in Colorado. After growing several thousand trees a few years they had to be thrown out. On our occasional severe winters they win- ter-kill, as do some trees imported from France.
We now have an extensive stock of the hardiest form, being assured by the United States Forest Service that the seed was collected at the proper altitude. A large proportion of these trees have the beautiful blue-green color.
Alcock's. P, bicolor; syn., Alcockiana. This is bluer than the Colorado Blue Spruce in the winter time, especially when viewed by the horizontal rays of the sun illuminating the lower side of the foliage, for the blue is all on the under side of the leaves and is not washed off by winter storms. It is a taller and narrower tree than the Colorado Blue Spruce and grows more rapidly. Tiger Tail. P. polita. Like many other of our hardiest evergreens this comes from the northern mountains of Japan. It is a rough, broad, irregu- lar tree, with stubby, sharp-pointed, yellow-green leaves. It appears to be entirely hardy and prom- ising for windy places.
Yew • Taxus
Japanese. Taxus cuspidata. The Yew and Holly, and the Oak have enduring places in the literature of English-speaking people, and there will always be a demand for them. Unfortunately, the English Yew is not reliably hardy in northeastern United States, although many old plants of it are struggling along in sheltered places. Thousands of dollars are wasted in importing English Yew and other evergreens which disappear in a few years.
The Japanese Yew, or, at least, certain forms of it from the colder part of Japan, is hardy and would be extensively used if this fact were known. The oldest plant we know of is about 10 feet high and 21 feet wide. It is very dark green in color and has not been damaged by the severest win- ters. It is as yet too rare in nurseries to recom- mend for hedges, but we see no reason why the Yew hedges of England should not be reproduced in this country.
Japanese. T. cuspidata, var. capitata. This name does not appear in any catalogue now published and we have the only commercial stock of it. It is upright in habit like a Fir tree. A plant about twenty-five years old is 13 feet high and 9 feet broad. It keeps a central leader and in Japan grows 40 feet high with a trunk 2 feet in diameter.
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Evergreens
Yew, continued
Dwarf Japanese. T. cuspidata. var. brevi- folia. This is black-green in color, with short, stubby branches indicating great hardiness. We recommend it highly where a low evergreen of irregular, picturesque habit is needed. It will grow perhaps 3 feet high and 15 feet broad in twenty years, resembling in size the Common Juniper, but the branches spread horizontally from a stiff central trunk, whereas the Juniper has numerous trailing branches.
Canadian. T . Canadensis. This carpets the damp forests. Some of the old botanies record it as native of Manhattan Island. In cultivation, it forms a beautiful cushion about 2 feet high and 15 feet wide, there being several old plants on Long Island that are hardy and handsome.
Spreading. T.repandens. This is a beautiful and graceful plant growing 4 feet high and twice as broad. The branchlets arch grace- fully and make a dense, dark green plant. It is very rare and hardy, and, as the name does not appear in the horticultural books, we cannot say where it is native, but it appears to be quite hardy here. It will stand dense shade, but that does not mean the shade of a Silver Maple tree which would exhaust the moisture in the summer.
English. T. baccata. This will grow in sheltered positions, and we recommend the purchase of these plants for a dark green cover under Locust trees or shady places in such valleys as Cold Spring and Roslyn,
Englemann's Spruce at residence of Mr. James A. Blair, Oyster Bay, L. I.
Canadian Yew ( Taxus Canadensis ) as a carpet bordering a path. Now that we offer hardy varieties of the Yew family, some of them being varieties not elsewhere listed, we trust they will be used in landscape planting.
Yew, English, continued
or for planting about houses on the east end of Long Island where the ocean cli- mate is favorable.
Golden English. T. baccata, var. elegan- tissima. We have a stock of plants twenty years old that have been grown on Long Island and demonstrate the frequent ex- pression that the Golden variety is hardier than the species. They can be used in a garden or planted in tubs.
There are thousands of families in apart- ments, flats and tenements that should be bringing up their children, all the year, in the country. Tunnels and electric traction and automobiles and the comparative cost will soon compel or permit living in the country. It is objected that the country in winter is bleak, windswept, lacks beauty and privacy. Evergreens will cure this.
There are other objections to all -the - year country residence, — social, educational, amusement, water supply, domestic service, certainty and promptness of transportation, that evergreens cannot cure, but these objec- tions are yearly lessening.
We have the largest size, largest quantity, cheapest, most hardy and cheerful evergreens offered in the northeastern United States,
52 Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Entrance drive to the residence of Mr. T. J. Regan, Wheatley Hills. This shows large plantations of various shrubs bordering the drives and boundaries of the property. Such plantations can be economically made by using small shrubs as offered in our price-list, planted 2 to 5 feet apart, jlf heavily manured the first year, they will grow rapidly and give a good effect the second year. Thereafter, such groups prove cheaper than the lawn, for they require less labor. For such plantings we recommend Barberry, Deutzia, Red-twigged Dogwood, Elaeagnus, Forsythia, White Fringe, Hercules' Club, Upright Honeysuckle, Magnolia, Japanese Maple, Privet, Rhodotypos, Spirea, Sumach, Syringa, Weigela, etc.
Shrubs
We do not head this department Flowering Shrubs because planters are coming to realize that flowers are not the main object. This was well expressed by Samuel Parsons, Landscape Architect, New York Park Department: "The flowers are only an incident." The principal thing is the form, texture, and density of the foliage masses and their way of carrying lights and shadows. It is from such elements that a landscape composition is made. If, in addition, some shrubs give a beauty of flower or fruit, that must be harmoniously arranged, but should not be the controlling reason for its use.
Many of the best shrubs for landscape planting have flowers that are of but little prominence. On the other hand, several of the most showy flowers are on plants which are ugly abominations for the rest of the season. The worst mistakes in landscape design are made by giving too great prominence to freaks of variegated or purple foliage, or utilizing plants mainly for their flowering value.
The attempt is made in these descriptions to state various landscape problems- as they appear on Long Island, and to suggest' shrubs that may be used in their solution. An index of these problems will be found at the back of the catalogue.
The use of shrubs and other plants for covering the ground instead of grass is but little understood in this region. We have grown many varieties of shrubs, vines and evergreens from seed or cuttings in large- quantities, so they can be sold at low rates for this purpose.
A prominent landscape architect says: "The foliage of shrubs that are well established remains green when dry weather turns grass brown. The broad mass of shrubbery will take care of itself when the grass needs frequent attention. It might with advantage replace grass upon all surfaces too steep to walk upon with comfort," and, it might be added, too expensive, or impossible, to keep in good lawn.
Large shrubs are not as decided an advantage as large trees. The reason is that most shrubs will attain a mature effect in two to four years. However, we have a number of large shrubs suitable for immediate effect that are especially desirable about new residences or to use with large trees to immediately complete the landscape. For houses completed after the planting season we can successfully plant large shrubs and evergreens in late May and June or July.
We aim to keep a good assortment of shrubs, but we have not made our nursery mainly of shrubs, for that is an error nurserymen are prone to make, shrubs giving the quickest return on the investment and most of them being easily propagated from cuttings, while most of the valuable deciduous and evergreen trees are propagated from seed, which is more difficult to get and takes longer to grow.
Plantations of shrubs should be made much closer than their permanent growth permits. The thinning should commence in two to four years. It is usually left too late or entirely neglected.
Shrubs are the best under-planting for deciduous and evergreen groves. Trees will generally grow much faster where shrubs shade the ground and hold the leaves about their roots, than when they are grow- ing in the open lawn. Young evergreens, especially Hemlock, make a good start when planted arrtong the shrubs. With evergreens, however, it is very essential that the shrubs be thinned or cut back every year to allow 2 feet of space for the sun to reach the lower limbs of the evergreens.
Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Shrubs
53
An economical way to make large shrub plantations is to buy small plants one to two years old at $8 to $20 per hundred. Plant them 2 to 4 feet apart and cut them off about 6 inches high. Mulch the ground heavily with manure. The first season will show a luxuriant, dense growth of gracefully arching branches, whereas, the planting of large shrubs, 5 feet high, is liable to be thin the first year, especially if they are not well manured. Large plantations of shrubs can be made and cut down in the autumn, and will do much to relieve the pressure on the short spring planting season.
Althea • Rose of Sharon
(Hibiscus Syriacus)
The Altheas and Hydrangeas are the most showy flowers for August and September. We occasionally hear stated: " I do not like Altheas; they have such an ugly purple or magenta color." There are, how- ever, a number of varieties with bright red and pink colors and others that are pure white. The Altheas are all tall-growing shrubs, attaining a height of 10 feet or more. They are usually narrow at the base, forming a V-shaped plant when old. This tendency can be readily corrected by pruning when young. It is best to plant them at the back of groups of shrubs. Altheas makes beautiful flowering hedges and the annual pruning, when dormant, does not affect their blooming, because, unlike most shrubs, they bloom on branches of the current year's growth.
Aralia
Aralia pentaphylla. An upright, arching shrub, about 4 feet high, of the habit of Spircea Van Houttei, with glossy and waxy foliage. It is not conspicuous in flower or fruit, but the color and texture recommend its use.
A. spinosa (Hercules' Club; Angelica Tree). The second year on a new place will often show this to be the most vigorous of all shrubs. It is as vigorous as an Ailarvthus, but nobody hates it as they do the latter. It sends up one or more thorny branches with finely divided leaves 2 feet long and broad. In mid-summer the top is crowned by an equally large cluster of minute white flowers followed by black berries. The stems are thickly covered with spines.
Azalea * Rhododendron
The Azaleas are the deciduous or leaf-dropping members of the Rhododendron genus. The delicate beauty of the Azaleas is as little known as their showiness in mass or the ease with which they are grown. The colors are pink, cherry, carmine, crim- son, white, yellow and salmon. Some of these shades clash with some varieties of Rhododendrons, but, as most Azaleas are through before the Rhododen- drons begin, there is little trouble on this point.
Culture requirements are the same as for Rhodo- dendrons,— just leaf-mulch; that's all. Azaleas have the advantage over Rhododendrons that there is no foliage to carry through the winter.
The uses and locations for Azaleas are numerous. For decorating woodland they are excellent, har- monizing with their surroundings. Most of the varieties are native to such places and there can be no more beautiful treasure to discover in a wood- land glade than the Azalea and Lady*Slipper Or- chid. To establish them in the woods, select a place where there is a little sunshine so that they will bloom more freely. Dig a large hole to check the competition of the existing trees. The Azalea viscosa is native to swamps where little hummocks appear above the water. Therefore, with the Clethra, Button Bush, Red-twigged Dogwood, Black Alder, and Marsh Mallow, it makes a solution to the
Azalea, continued
problem of what to plant along the edges of streams
and ponds.
Azalea amoena. See Broad-leaved Evergreens, page 68.
A. arborescens. This is native in the Alleghany mountains. The flowers are white or tinged with pink and very fragrant. It is a compact and vig- orous shrub with shiny foliage. We recommend it highly for mass planting in shrubberies.
Chinese. A. mollis. The Azalea mollis has the largest flower of any of the Azaleas, individual florets being funnel-shaped and as large as the Rhododendron. They are in clusters 4 to 6 inches in diameter. They bloom before* the foliage ap- pears in May. Colors range through the yellow series, from pale lemon to salmon and deep orange. We have large, old plants that are well established, with large balls of earth. They should be used at the borders of shrubbery, and they can be used in the woodland, but the flower is so large that they appear less harmonious than the native American varieties.
A. lutea; syn., A. calendulacea. This is named the Flame Azalea because in the Alleghany mountains, when in bloom, it looks as if the under- brush were afire. The colors are orange, orange- scarlet and yellow. It blooms in May after the Chinese and is a taller-growing plant. We have a group in the orchard 6 feet high and it seems perfectly at home there. An old orchard often forms part of the lawn, and in the semi-shade this and other Azaleas are very appropriate.
Azalea mollis on a lawn. 1 his gives the greatest show in early May, but some of its colors ere crude and it is sur-
Eassed in beauty by the earlier Azalea Vaseyi and the other tier kinds.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Azalea, continued
Ghent. Azalea pontica. In England the choicest garden treasures are called "American plants," meaning the Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Moun- tain Laurel. The Ghent Azaleas include a long list of named varieties originating mostly at Ghent, Belgium, by hybridizing the Azalea pon- tica of Asia Minor with the American species, as A. lulea, A. nudiflora and A. viscosa. They in- clude all the colors mentioned for the genus Azalea, frequently several colors harmoniously blended in one flower. Many varieties have double flowers. We have a quantity of old plants that have been growing on Long Island several years and are well established, which we dig with large balls of earth. A bed of Azaleas should hold equal rank with the rose-beds in a flower-garden. Our collection presents an unequaled opportunity.
Pinxter Flower (Wild Honeysuckle; Swamp Apple). A. nudiflora. This grows on Long Island with or near the Mountain Laurel. It is found on the crest of Harbor Hill where soil is rather dry and gravelly, and also on the slopes of the hills where there are springs at the base, as at Plandome, Oyster Bay, Cold Spring, Herricks, and many other places. It does not flaunt its beauty fre- quently along the road-sides on Long Island as upon the mainland where solid rock holds up the moisture. It is a graceful shrub, occasionally 5 feet high, with delicate pink blossoms.
White. A. viscosa. In passing swampy places, the pleasant perfume of this is often evident in July. It is the latest of the Azaleas to bloom. It is pure white, sometimes tinged with pink. The outside of the flowers have viscid hairs
Azalea, White, continued
which catch insects. We offer old plants grown in the nursery for a dozen years.
Southern. A. Vaseyi. This was recently discov- ered in the southern Alleghanies and was named after Dr. Vasey, United States Botanist. In our opinion it is the loveliest one of all. The color is the most delicately shaded shell-pink. A few are nearly white. It is the first to bloom and, therefore, has no competitors. Our plants are probably the oldest that are offered, being well set with bloom-buds. Those having greenhouses should experiment with forcing it, for it is one of several beautiful flowers capable of relieving the monotonous product of commercial green- houses. It grows well in the open, but would thrive in a moist semi-shaded position.
Barberry • Berberis
Japanese. Berberis Thunbergii. The Japanese Barberry is the most popular shrub and hedge plant from Newport north. It is becoming very popular here. It is not likely to be overdone, as the California Privet, because it is not quite so quickly propagated. It is hardy where the Cali- fornia Privet is not. It never gets thin at the bottom, in fact, it is the thickest and densest shrub at the base of any we know. It makes a low hedge and requires little or no trimming to keep it in presentable condition. That is a big cash saving as compared with California Privet. If left alone it will grow 4 feet high and 6 feet broad in a few years. It is not likely to grow tall enough to make a screen 8 feet high, as is often required of the Ibota or California Privet. On
The Japanese, or Thunberg's Barberry, has a dozen or more landscape uses. Here it holds a steep bank better and cheaper than grass. Its lights and shadows correspond with the Dogwood beyond. It exceeds the Dogwood in the persis- tence of its red berries, which remain till May, while the robins strip the Dogwood in November. Entrance drive of Mr. R. D. Winthrop, Westbury. L. I.
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Barberry, Japanese, continued
the other hand, it is much more defensive than they. For its height, this is the best thorny hedge. For a taller thorny hedge, the Cockspur Thorn is best. In hedge planting, the Barberry can be put wider apart than the Privet and therefore reduce the cost. The lower branches extend horizontally close to the ground wider than any other shrub. Therefore it can be plant- ed 2 or 2K feet apart, while Privet is fre- quently planted in a double row 6 inches apart.
In the autumn the Barberry foliage will turn so red as to look like a bed of Salvia. For winter decoration the Barberry holds the color of its coral berries until covered by the new foliage and flowers early in May. In the desolate days of March, the Barberry will be the most cheerful note in the murky and bedraggled shrubbery. The practical uses of the Barberry in planting country estates are numerous. The edge of shrubbery should go solidly to the ground to give a neat finish and to screen the unkempt stems and bare ground of the taller shrubs. For this purpose, the Thunberg's Barberry stands preeminent. Of course, its exclusive use would lead to monotony in such situations. We recommend also for this purpose, Deutzia gracilis, Forsythia suspensa, Up-
Group of Catalpa Bungei of bush form, with Silver Linden in distance. This is in a small park we designed and planted on a bit of vacant public land at Hempstead for Mr. August Belmont.
Bayberry, continued
average shrub planting, for it must be confessed most shrubs in nursery catalogues are native either
right Honeysuckle, Indian Currant, Prostrate of swampy ground or under woods where they are
Privet, Rhodotypos Kerrioides, Thunberg's Spirea, Spircea Van Houttei, Stephanandraflexuosa, Yellow Root and many others. Another use for Japanese Barberry is covering steep banks, at the side of a road, or clothing a hill. It will make a dense, even-topped thicket, needing absolutely no care when established, for even weeds will be shaded out and discouraged from pushing through the foliage. For game cover it has the necessary qualities of furnishing abundant berries and protection from enemies. At Harbor Hill, the estate of Mr. Clarence H. Mackey, Roslyn, a hedge of Barberry forms an elegant border to the stately entrance drive. Plant it against the foundation of a house where it is difficult to select shrubs which will thrive and maintain a dense, rounded form without getting too large. The origi- nal plant introduced into this country is at Bussey Institute, Harvard, and has the rounded surfaces and even, close growth of the old dwarf Boxwood. It is about 8 feet high and 12 feet broad. No in- sect or fungous enemies injure this species.
European. B.vulgaris. This is a common Barberry which has run wild through New England pas- tures and along the stone walls. It forms a tall, gracefully arching shrub, shaped like Spircea Van Houttei. In autumn it is laden with long, grape-like clusters of red berries which are used for making jam.
Purple. B. vulgaris, var. purpurea. Since Prunus Pissardi has been abandoned because it is so seriously attacked by San Jose scale, this is the best purple shrub. The young shoots are bright red. It has yellow flowers and red berries.
Bayberry • W^ax Myrtle
(Myrica ce.rife.ra)
This is the most abundant shrub on Long Island in sandy ground exposed to the sun. For drought resistance it is unsurpassed. You have probably noticed in a drought the wilted appearance of the
protected from the fierce drying of full sunshine. Drought-resisting shrubs are the Elaeagnus, Hazel- nut, Hypericum, Indigo Bush, Scrub Oak, Dwarf Chestnut Oak, Cockspur Thorn, and the Sumac family. Bayberry is a rounded, compact, dark green bush, 3 to 6 feet high, with white berries from which wax candles are made. Recommended for Seaside, bluffs and dry knolls and road banks.
Button Bush
The shrub that will endure the deepest water. In the small ponds, the kettle "holes" left by the glacier on the hills of Long Island, this shrub grows. In spring it is covered a foot deep for several weeks, and yet it thrives equally well on upland and makes a handsome, round bush, perhaps 6 feet wide, with leaves as dark and glossy as a Rhododendron. The name originates from the pendant white balls which appear in July.
Catalpa
Catalpa Bungei, Bush Form. Catalpa bignon- ioides, var. nana. A shrub that has not been known to flower; however, it has good foliage value, especially at the seaside. It makes a large, round bush, 6 to 10 feet high, with larger foliage than any other shrub, the leaves being about 7 inches wide. It is benefited by occasional cutting back. We have a stock of uniformly trained domes suitable for formal planting or for immediate effect on seaside lawns.
Chokeberry
(Aronia nigra; syn., Pyrus arbutifolia)
This shrub is largely used by some landscape planters for its red and black berries. It grows wild on the sand dunes and other sterile places. From its irregular and open growth, it is best used in large masses at the background.
56
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y. — Shrubs
Deutzia, continued
D. Lemoinei. A hybrid of the latter, with more vigorous growth and larger flowers, well worthy of the name of the famous horticulturist for whom it was named. It is a welcome addition to the short list of shrubs suitable for edging down taller shrubs and trees.
Dogwood • Cornus
The name, Dogwood, first brings to mind the White Dogwood (Cornus florida), with its large, butterfly-like blossoms in May, which is described on page 15, under Trees. The species here described are shrubs of decided value in decorative planting, those with red bark filling a place occupied by no other.
Red-twigged. Cornus alba, var. Sibirica. This has deep, crimson bark and it should be used in large groups for its winter effect, as it shows off best when there are a number of plants together. Abundant clusters of small white blossoms are borne in early summer, followed by white fruit. Cornus sanguinea. This resembles the last and has darker red bark.
Panicled. C. paniculata. In damp or rocky ground this makes a thicket of slender brown twigs that are so numerous and dense as to give a pleasing color tone even in the winter. The clusters of small white flowers with slender pointed leaves, and the ornamental white fruit, are all of good landscape value.
Deutzia Lemoinei, showing the value of it and its parent, 'Deutzia gracilis, as a low shrub to edge down groups of taller shrubs.
Common. Sambucus Canadensis. A familiar roadside shrub, always healthy and vigorous, with immense panicles of white blossoms and purple fruit. It will make a dense thicket the first year.
Golden. 5. nigra, var. aurea. For those who like golden foliage, this is attractive in early summer.
Marsh. Baccharis halimifolia. We are often asked what shrub will grow near salt water. There are many of them, but this will grow the nearest, for its favorite habitat is where its roots are covered at high tide. The plants, having fertile flowers, are very ornamental in the autumn with a white down, which is different from any other shrub and is conspicuous when no other shrubs, except Witch Hazel, are in bloom. (See page 33.)
Corchorus • Kerria Japonica
In old-fashioned gardens this was a favorite, and rightfully so. For a long period in the summer it is decorated with brilliant golden balls about \% inches in diameter. It is not a large or massive shrub but forms a graceful little plant about 3 feet high, with bright green stems.
Deutzia
For making up a bulk of tall shrubs, the Deutzias rank with the Viburnum, Cornus, Mock Orange, Weigela and Lilac. The two following varieties are quick to grow, handsome in foliage and showy when in flower and should be used for form- ing tall screens, their ultimate height being about 10 feet.
Deutzia crenata. The flowers of this are pure white pendant bells in upright racemes. When in bloom it is a tall and gracefully arching shrub, but as the lower branches may be bare, it is best to plant the lower-growing varieties in front. June.
Pride of Rochester. In this the flowers are striped with red on the outside of each petal, giving a distinct color effect in its season of bloom in June.
Dwarf. D. gracilis. This is largely forced for Easter blooming. Its flower effect is just as pretty in the shrubbery or flower garden. It forms a mound perhaps 3 feet high, of delicate pure white flowers as graceful as Lily-of-the- Valley. May.
Elaeagnus
Elaeagnus umbellata. Silver Thorn. It used to be taught that only plants of the pea family (Leguminosa?) had the power of gathering nitro- gen from the air. The behavior of Elaagnus um- bellata in this nursery appears to indicate the truth of the statement that this plant can also do so through partnership with a fungus on the roots. It grows very vigorously, even in poor, sandy ground, and other shrubs near it are as dark green and vigorous as if they were adjacent to a supply of fertility, while those at a distance are yellowish and of short growth, indicating lack of nitrogen.
It is a tall, arching shrub, 10 feet high and broad, with pungently fragrant flowers and
Isaac Hicks &- Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
57
Elaeagnus umbellata, continued
silvered foliage. It is a suitable shrub for seaside planting. In Japan the children go about nibbling branches of the sweet red berries which here are attractive to the birds and poultry.
£. longipes. Introduced a few years ago as a fruit of the cranberry and currant class. It is a showy berry-bearing shrub in early July. The fruit is over % inch long, brilliant red and pleasantly acid when ripe fully. It grows about 4 feet high. We have an unusual stock of old plants.
Exochorda • Pearl Bush
Exochorda grandiflora. A rare shrub of great beauty. The pure white flowers are so abundantly borne as to cover the plant. They are about \% inches in diameter, in long, pendent racemes, appearing with the foliage in May. It is a tall shrub, attaining 10 feet, but as it is rather awk- ward in shape, it is best at the background of a group.
Forsythia • Golden Bell
The Golden Bells stand in a class by themselves, and, with the Magnolias, are the first showy shrubs. Early in April they are a wealth of brilliant golden yellow. In one of the Boston parks there was a gravel pit that has been transformed to such a thing of beauty that many make a point of visiting it. The foliage is entirely healthy and the growth vigorous. Beautiful winter bouquets are made by standing the twigs in water in a window where it comes in bloom in a few days. Forsythia Fortunei. F. suspensa, var. Fortunei.
A tall, arching shrub, reaching 10 feet in height. F. suspensa. Almost indistinguishable from the
above, except that the slender branches hang
Forsythia suspensa, continued
perpendicularly from old plants. It is excellent for bordering groups of shrubs.
F. viridissima. The foliage and habit of this is very distinct, being more like the California Privet in its upright, vigorous growth and glossy dark green foliage, retained late in autumn when it turns to a purple shade. The flowers are slightly smaller than the two above species and it also differs in hardiness. The tips and flower-buds were winter-killed in the unusually severe winter of 1903-04.
Fringe
White. Chionanthus Virginica. An Indian rubber plant outdoors. There is no other hardy shrub resembling it and yet it harmonizes with other planting, being native from New Jersey south- ward. It grows to a height of 15 feet or more and has a sturdy, enduring appearance. It has hitherto been rare in cultivation and used as single specimens. Now that we offer it in large quantities, it should be used extensively in border plantings the same as the Dogwood tree and the large-growing shrubs. It is free from insects or fungous attacks and its luxuriant, dark and hand- some foliage gives a touch of elegance not con- tributed by the average shrub.
When in blossom in June, the tree appears as if it were festooned with the most delicate white lace. It is only occasionally that a bargain like this is available, as the seed crop is irregular. Those who take advantage of it will be proud of their White Fringe Trees. There are many such bargains in this Catalogue, where valuable stock is offered at lower rates than usual, and lower than they are likely to be in the near future.
The problem of -planting along drives in the forest is here solved by using Forsythia suspensa. On the road from the
residence of Mr. Harry Payne Whitney to Harbor Hill
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Yl — Shrubs
The While Fringe flowers are only a part of its beauty. The dark green massive foliage and sturdy growth give it a dignity surpassing most shrubs. It has been so rare that it has been used as an isolated specimen, but it is best in large groups. With the Magnolia glauca it will make harmo- nious and rich plantations about Long Island water-courses and on upland.
Hazelnut
American. There is no reason why the shrub- bery should not bear some useful fruit or nuts, provided the foliage is healthy and harmonious. Copses of Hazel are beautiful, even in winter, with their even-tinted haze of twigs. This species is native in dry and rocky ground. Every country boy ought to know how to get ahead of the chipmunks in gathering them in early September. A group on the lawn will give his suburbanite brother an opportunity to do the same. The Japanese Chestnut is free from the Chestnut disease and can also be used as a tall shrub.
Honeysuckle • Lonicera
The Upright, or Bush Honeysuckles, are a
class of .shrubs of the highest usefulness.
They are always healthy, vigorous and of
good form, sturdy and strong in appearance,
and well clothed with foliage to the base.
We have grown them in large quantities and
offer them very low. We feel certain you will
receive more than full value for the price.
Upright. Lonicera Tatarica. When in
bloom in early summer this is one of the
handsomest shrubs, covered by delicate
pink and white blossoms. In August it is
Honeysuckle, Upright, continued
more decorative than any other red-berried shrub, with its translucent coral berries. It is a strong, clean shrub, oak-like in its branching.
Lonicera Morrowii. This Japanese species is very wide-spreading and is especially ornamental in flower and fruit. The flowers are pure white, changing to yellow.
Fragrant. L. fragrantissima. One of the earliest spring-blooming shrubs, pushing forth both its leaves and pink flowers in early April. Some foli- age remains bright green until midwinter.
L. Standishii. Frequently the snow-storms of early March will cover the strongly fragrant yellow blossoms of this shrub.
L. Maacki. Probably this is here introduced for the first time in this country. It has been recently discovered in western China. Its pure white flowers are larger than those of the other upright Honeysuckles and the leaves larger and darker green.
L. Philomela. A vigorous, upright shrub, with pendant pink blossoms in April.
Horse- Chestnut • AEsculus
Dwarf. AEsculus parviflora; syn., macrostachya. There is a period between the June-blooming Spireas, Upright Honeysuckles, Mock Orange, Magnolias, Deutzias, etc., and the late summer- blooming Hydrangeas and Altheas, which this shrub fills to perfection. The tall, feathery spikes of bloom are the embodiment of graceful- ness. It is a shrub ultimately 8 feet high, but rather slow to attain this height and also difficult to propagate; therefore its rarity in nursery catalogues.
Hydrangea
The Hydrangeas are all conspicuous from mid- summer to autumn. They are shrubs of moderate height to be used in the foreground or in beds by themselves. Their popularity is well deserved for their freedom of growth and healthfulness. The most popular is Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, with its immense heads of white flowers. Those
Upright Honeysuckle in Arnold Arboretum. This exhibits about all the good qualities of a shrub for extensive planting. It has oak- like strength of branches and massing of lights and shadows in the foliage ; beautiful, fragrant flowers, and bright red berries. We have a large quantity of broad plants at low rates.
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
59
Hydrangea, continued
whose knowledge is limited to this variety, and those who have become tired of it, should try some of the other kinds. Hydrangea paniculata, var. grandiflora. The
solid white flower clusters are sometimes nearly a foot long. The largest flowers may be secured by cutting down each winter to 6 inches, and strong shoots 3 feet high will be formed. This variety is often used in large beds on a lawn where they can be planted about 4 feet apart,
H. paniculata. This is the wild form from Japan, making a sturdy shrub 10 feet high, with graceful, open panicles of flowers. It is destined to become more widely planted, especially by those who already have the variety Grandiflora, and who wish a plant less artificial and common in appear- ance. There are two kinds of this wild form, variety Praecox, or early-flowering Hydrangea, blooming in July, and therefore much extending the season, and variety Tardiva, blooming in August.
H. Hortensis, var. Otaksa. This is the kind most commonly grown in tubs; usually such a puzzle as to whether the flowers will be pink or blue. This depends upon the soil, and there are some regions of Long Island where most of the flowers are pink, in others blue. In Newport they are grown outside and the tops bent down or boxed and covered with soil for the winter. Many peo-
Hydrangea paniculata, not the variety Grandiflora. This is more graceful and beautiful, though less showy than the better known variety Grandiflora, which has solid heads of white flowers. More attention should be given to the flow- ering and berry-bearing shrubs that have decorative value from midsummer through the autumn.
Dwarf Horse-Cheslnut on the lawn of the late John D. Hicks, Westbury, L. 1. This is the most magnificent flower- ing shrub of its season in mid-July. It is rare in nurseries, but we have succeeded in working up a stock of it.
Hydrangea Hortensis, continued
pie ask us why their plants do not bloom. It is because the upper buds of the previous year's growth have been cut off or winter-killed. We have a number of old plants that have been win- tered for several years in the cellar and will give showy effects from June till October.
H. radiata. A conspicuous plant in the shrubbery from the silvery white lining to the leaves, which shows when stirred by the breeze. The flowers are white, in flat-topped clusters. It grows about 4 feet high.
Oak-leaved. //. quercifolia. One of the rarest and most beautiful species, with graceful, open pani- cles of white flowers.
Hypericum
Hypericum aureum. A low shrub about 3 feet high, thickly studded with golden yellow flowers.
H. densiflorum. A smaller shrub with smaller and more numerous flowers.
Indian Currant • Coral Berry
(Symphoricarpus vulgaris)
A graceful shrub, about 2 or 3 feet high, with deep red berries clustered and crowded along its arching twigs. The branches take root where they touch the ground and therefore are useful to hold steep banks and edge groups of tall shrubs in the same manner as Thunberg's Barberry.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Japanese Judas
(Cercf's Chinensis; syn., Japonica)
The old-time Japanese Quince has been a univer- sal favorite with its brilliant red flowers early in May. The San Jose scale attacks it so seriously that it should be discarded and the Japanese Judas and the Red-flowering Dogwood used for red flowers in the same season. This Judas forms a broad shrub 8 or 10 feet high. The branches are thickly studded with rose-pink, pea-shaped blossoms more brilliant in color than the American Judas tree.
Laburnum • Golden Chain
Laburnum vulgare. This is an old-cime favorite in this country as well as in England and the continent. It forms a tall, slender shrub of no par- ticular value as a screen, but winning admiration for its long, pendant, golden flowers, resembling its relative, the Wistaria, and the Yellow Locust. The Germans call it Golden Rain. It should be
Clanted to rise out of groups of other shrubs. It looms in May.
Lilac -- Syringa
The Lilacs are immediately thought of as flowering shrubs by those least initiated in gar- den lore. The new varieties show a wide range of exquisite colorings and variation in size and form of the flower trusses. Common. Syringa vulgar-is.
This and the White are the
old-time favorites. Their
fragrance is unsurpassed by
any of the newer varieties
and they will always retain
the strongest hold upon the
affections. The mildew,
which sometimes gives a
dusty appearance to the
foliage, is not serious. It is
not conspicuous if the Lilacs
are planted behind other
shrubs that about equal them in height. Old plants
attain a height of 12 to 15 feet, but they grow
moderately when young, and should not be
depended upon for screen planting on a new place. White. S. vulgaris, var. alba. This has pure white
flowers and can be distinguished even in winter
by its white buds.
NAMED LILACS
We have a large number of varieties which we have propagated on their own roots; therefore, there will be no trouble from the sprouting of the privet stock, and the sprouts which do come up will be of the same variety. Ludwig Spaeth. Deep purplish red flowers in
dense, large panicles. The best of its color. President Massart. Red when in bud, purple
when open, with large panicle. Emile Lemoine. Rosy lilac, very large double
flowers. Clusters of globular form.
Mathieu de Dombasle. Double flowers; color reddish mauve.
Virginalis. Large pure white flowers in larger panicles than the original white.
Named Lilacs, continued
Frau Dammann. This is one of the best white- Lilacs, having immense panicles. The foliage is vigorous and healthy.
Senateur Volland. Double; rosy red.
Louis Henry. Double; red-lilac, tinted blue;
large panicles. Insignis rubra. A large truss which is dark red
when in bud and lilac when open. Madam Jules Finger. Large double pink flowers.
Belle de Nancy. Flowers bright red, with white center. A new and distinct color ; double.
Ville de Troyes. Large panicles of dark purple flowers.
Madam Lemoine. This we regard as one of the handsomest double white Lilacs, the individual flowerets being as large as a ten-cent piece.
President Grevy. Beautiful lilac-blue; very dou- ble-flowered and very long panicles.
Pyramidalis. Panicles which are dense; carmine in b.ud.
The Double Lilacs were introduced in this vicinity by the late Adolph Ladenburg through the Oasis Nursery Company. Their stateliness and beauty are but little known. We have worked up a large stock of them on their own roots which are not subject to the failures incident to most imported plants. Our plants are old and ready to bloom and are offered much lower than usual .
Isaac Hicks £r Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
61
We grow the Named Lilacs so that they are permanently vigorous. As shown on the right, it has roots above the graft. The plant on the left will die in a few years.
Named Lilacs, continued'
Virginity. Flowers large, double; delicate rose- color.
Madam Casimir Perier. A double Lilac, with large and compact panicles of the purest white. A new variety highly recommended.
The following are distinct species, quite different in flower and season of blooming from the Common Lilac and its varieties described above. Syringa villosa, var. Emodi. A vigorous, upright shrub, with large, healthy leaves, resembling the White Fringe, fitting it for screen planting. It has immense panicles of white flowers. Japanese Tree. S. Japonica. This blooms a month later than other Lilacs, having privet-like flowers in a bunch a foot wide. It is a tall shrub or small tree.
Persian. .S. Persica. An old favorite, with slender arching branches, differing from the upright growth of all the other Lilacs. The flowers are of lilac color and very fragrant. They are borne all along the branches, bending them down in grace- ful curves. It can be used as a border to groups of other Lilacs.
Japanese Maples
The Japanese Maples contribute a refined note that cannot be duplicated by any other class of plants. There is often the question of what to do on small lawns where something is desired less coarse and vigorous than the average shrub, and which will be attractive all the season. This can frequently be answered by planting Japanese Maples, Rhodo- dendrons, Thunberg's Barberry, Magnolia stellata, Dogwood, Rhodotypos, Thunberg's Spirea, Box- wood and similar small-growing plants.
Japanese Maples, continued
Japanese. Acer palmatum. We were fortunate in securing a large quantity of seedlings where they grew up in a carpet of English Ivy, and are offer- ing them at a decided bargain. The foliage is of small, delicately cut leaves, tipped with red on the young growth in autumn. They will grow about 1^2 feet per year and make shrubs 8 to 12 feet high. They can be very appropriately used in the shrubbery, for tall screens and back- grounds and to edge down groups of tall trees. The other varieties of Japanese Maples may be appropriately used in front of these.
Blood-leaved Japanese. A . palmatum, .var. atropurpureum. This is the variety most people think of when they speak of Japanese Maples. It is very conspicuous for its bright red colors in early summer, later changing to dark red. It ultimately forms a bush 10 feet in diameter or more, and is frequently planted as a single lawn specimen.
Cut-leaved Japanese. A. palmatum, var. dis- sectum. This is as delicate as a maidenhair fern. Its branches arch downward and it never makes a high shrub For a succession of pretty details, plant this and the next.
Cut-leaved Purple Japanese. A . palmatum, var. dissectum ornatum; syn., atropurpureum. A duplicate of the above, except that the foliage is a good red color throughout the season.
Golden Japanese. A. Japomcum, var. aureum. A dwarf plant of perhaps 3 feet high, with clear yellow foliage.
Tartarian. A. Ginnala; syn., A. Tataricum, var. Ginnala. This is one of the best plants for autumn color in our Nursery. It turns rather early in the autumn just after the Virginia Creeper and Dog- wood change. The color is not exceeded in clear- ness and transparency by any other autumn foliage. It quickly forms a tall screen 12 to 15 feet
Group of Japanese Maples in the garden of Mrs. Robert L. Stevens, Westbury, L. I., Daniel Langton, landscape architect. We have a large stock of Japanese Maples per- mitting their economic use for extensive planting.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Tartarian Maple on the same estate as the Japanese Maples illustrated on page 61, forming a screen to the service entrance. Early in autumn it is the most brilliant and clear red of any foliage on the estate. It grows quickly to the size shown. It is an excellent shrub for such mass planting, harmonizing with native growth or with the delicate Japanese Maples. The two Oaks appearing above the shrubs have grown twice as fast as those in the grass.
Japanese Maple, Tartarian, continued
high and keeps in healthy and vigorous condition, being hardy far north of this latitude. Its foliage harmonizes well with our native Oaks and Maples on one hand, and with the delicately cut-leaved varieties of Japanese Maples on the other. There- fore, it is as useful as the Dogwood in fringing woodland and excellent to form a background to Japanese M'aples and flowering shrubs. For hedges it is well adapted, and is one answer to the frequent request for a hedge that is not Privet and yet equally rapid in growth.
Orange, Hardy
(Citrus trifoliata; syn., Limonia)
A new hedge plant of value from here southward. On a sandy hillside at Westbury, plants have grown 8 feet high and 4 feet broad. It is such a thickly interlacing mass of needle-tipped thorns that a cat could not get through, and even a snake would have to use caution. It is hardy where it makes a moderate growth and the wood is well ripened. If highly manured it will make a late growth and the tips winter-kill.
Privet • Ligustrum
California. Ligustrum ovalifolium. This needs no description. The foliage is a dark, waxy green, the growth vigorous and able to withstand or overcome quickly widely varying conditions, and is more rapidly increased in quantity than any other shrub. At the seaside it is the most popular shrub that nurserymen offer. Its popu- larity as a hedge plant is undiminished. The natural habit of the plant is V-shaped, and therefore
Privet, California, continued
hedges are liable to be thin and open at the base unless properly started and pruned. It is best to plant 6 inches deeper than it stood in the nursery. This results in several stems at the ground level. It should be pruned so that the base is wider than the top, then the sun shining on these lower branches encourages their growth and keeps the hedge thick at the bottom. Privet is frequently called for to make immediate, tall screens on account of its dense growth and habit of holding foliage late in winter. We have large, old plants, 6 to 9 feet high, suitable for this purpose.
Dome-shaped California Privet. We have trained plants about ten years old in the form of a hemi- sphere, solid at the base. They are 6 feet high and 7 feet broad and eminently suitable to plant on a large terrace, in a formal garden or lawn. They have been accurately trimmed with a mechanical form of our invention which makes them uniform and dense.
Standards of California Privet. These are trained by the same machine as the last. They have a stem 2 to 6 feet high and a head 2 to 4 feet in diameter which is flat at the base, symmetrical and dense. They can be used for formal garden, terrace, or planting in tubs, similar to Bay Trees.
Arches of California Privet. These arches con- sist of two plants trained to an iron form 8 feet high and 8 feet broad. They are suitable for the center path of a flower-garden or for arching a gate to a garden or lawn. Another way to use them in garden design is to put them end to end, forming a series of arches, making a partial screen to two portions of a garden. These have been trained for a number of years end are mature and solid in effect,
Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
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Privet, continued
Ibota. Ligustrum Ibota. From New York northward, especially inland and about Boston, this Privet is rapidly taking the place of the California Privet because it is perfectly hardy. The California Privet winter-kills to some extent here in severe winters, but as it jumps up 3 feet by mid- summer, that fault is forgotten. It is native to the coast of Japan and thrives best along the coast here. The Ibota Privet is similar to California Privet in rapidity of growth, habit and density of foliage. It is, however, not quite so dark green in color. It holds its foliage with a bright green color till late in autumn, while the Cali- fornia Privet turns to a bronze-green and holds it farther into the winter. We are endeavoring to introduce this Privet into extensive culture, believing that it is supe- rior to the California Privet where a tall hedge or mass of shrubbery over 6 feet high is wanted with no risk of winter-killing. Prostrate. L. Ibota, var. Regelianum. This variety has all the good qualities of the latter and, in addition, has a very distinct habit of growth. The branches arch out- ward and down to the ground in graceful curves. It is an excellent shrub for border- ing groups of taller kinds, usually bare at the base. As a hedge plant, it is destined to become much admired because of its graceful form and ability to keep dense at the bottom. It can be left untrimn,ed and make a
T^hodotypos Kerrioides ( White Kerria ). An excellent shrub for general planting, being not unlike the Prostrate Privet in its arching growth. It has pure white flowers like the Mock Orange, scattered through the summer. The illustration shows it at the entrance to the residence of Mr. Albert Francke, Lawrence, L. I., showing how excellently it fills down to the ground under the Plane tree.
These Domes of California Privet are prepared for immediate results on a large terrace or in a formal garden or elsewhere. They are grown from one plant and have taken several years of skilful training to reach their present development. (See page 62.)
Privet, Prostrate, continued
handsome, dense hedge 5 feet high and 6 feet broad. It will attain those dimensions slightly quicker than the Thunberg's Barberry, the two being similar in form.
Media. This is a shrub about 5 feet high, of dense, round habit and chiefly notable for the orna- mental value of the large black berries. It can be used to advantage in shrub planting and we offer it at low rates.
Rhodotypos • Kerria
The White Kerria would be as popular as the Mock Orange, Weigela and Golden Bells if its merits were known. It has large white flowers an inch or more across in early summer. The flowers closely resemble those of the Mock Orange, Syringa or Philadelphus. It is decorated all winter by clusters of four shining black berries. In foliage and habit it is one of the best hardy shrubs in this latitude. It is about 5 feet high and broader in growth, being full from the base where its gracefully arching branches touch the ground. It is a shrub that can be used in quantity in large groups, or a single plant will be admired on grounds of small area.
Siberian Pea-Tree
( Caragana Arborescens)
A dainty little tree, slower in growth than the Dogwood. It is thickly hung with canary-yellow, pea-shaped blossoms in late spring.
Smoke Tree • Mist Tree
Purple Fringe (Rhus Cotinus)
This differs so widely from all other shrubs that a foremost landscape architect declines to use it because of its inharmonious relation to other plants. Its beauty consists in the downy masses surrounding the seeds in mid-summer, and apparently envelop- ing the tree in puffs of smoke.
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Isaac Hicks &• Son, Westbury Station, N. Y.— Shrubs
Spirea
This is one of the largest groups of flowering shrubs and it is rarely that a group is planned without including some of its widely differing forms. We have endeavored to select, among the many kinds, the few which most clearly show the different types of beauty, without confusing our customers with an unnecessarily long list of names.
The flowering period is more extended than that of any other group of shrubs. Their foliage is attractive at various seasons.
Thunberg's. Spiraea Thunbergii. This is the most feathery of them all and the earliest to bloom. In April or early May it is a fleecy mass of small, snow-white blossoms. During the summer its foliage is attractive from the lights and shadows of its rounded masses. Early in autumn the slender, willow-like leaves change to various shades of orange and red, making it suitable for interior decorations. The general habit is low and broad, with good foliage at the ground. It therefore combines well with the Thunberg's Bar- berry and other low shrubs for edging taller groups
Bridal Wreath. 5. prunifolia, var. flore plena. This old-time favorite is the next to bloom. Each flower is a minute double white rose in form. The foliage is bright, glossy and dark green. During severe drought some foliage falls.
S. Van Houttei. The most beautiful of the Spireas. We recall no shrub that exceeds this in the grace- ful Elm-like quality. The graceful branches, weighed down with a wealth of white blossoms, curve till they touch the ground. It comes into bloom just before Decoration Day. If we were limited to one Spirea, we should select this. It grows to about 7 feet high and equally broad.
S. Reevesiana; syn., Cantoniensis, var. flore pleno. This closely resembles the last except that the flowers are double like the Bridal Wreath, and it is not quite so hardy.
S. opulifolia; syn., Physocarpus opulifolia; Opulas- ter opulifolius. A big, coarse, quick, cheap shrub. It will make bulk as quickly as any shrub on our list, a one-year cutting being 3 feet high and broad. It attains a height of about 10 feet and has a wider spread. It has white flowers in June, followed by reddish pods. In large plantations, it may be used to grade off from the plants of finer quality near the house to the trees.
Golden. S. opulifolia, var. aurea. Similar to the last; the foliage bright golden yellow in May, but later changing to green.
Anthony Waterer. 'S. Bumalda, var. Anthony Waterer. A comparatively recent introduction that is distinct from all the others. It is a low shrub of about 3 feet high, its flat top covered with carmine flowers from early July onward. To keep it in continuous bloom, cut back some of the plants at various times from June till August. Cutting back after its first blooming has the advantage of removing the unsightly seed- </