Value of shelter



Shelter is of prime importance, shelter without shade, or close proximity to trees, and this can be planned in the windiest garden with some forethought.

Rose trees much dislike being blown about, so that we must choose their situation with care. Very often a corner formed by two walls is a good place for the tenderest kinds, especially if the aspect is south and west. The rose border just there will have a genial climate all its own.

For the hardier kinds a rose bed in the open will suffice, for when a rose tree can stand the open, and is not too exposed, it prefers plenty of air, as a lack of this induces rose diseases and pests such as mildew and aphids.

A break is needed here and there in some places, as the force of the wind is so tremendous, and then trellis work comes in very well indeed. Some gardeners say it is draughty, and therefore worse than nothing, but this of course applies only to the plants that climb up it.

If beds are made the leeward side they greatly benefit from the slight shelter, and there is no need to decorate the trellis itself with roses, though they do well enough when interspersed with jasmine, clematis, ceanothus, and so on.

A great advantage is that when winter sets in a wide sheet of tiffany can be let down on the windiest side of the trellis, and so prevent much havoc being wrought. Of course if it is in direct sight of the windows of the house, something more ornamental can be made use of.

Bits of bracken tied in do not look half so bad, or anything that is natural and neat. Where evergreen plants are used no protection will be needed after they have once grown up. It is only when gardens are set on a hill, or otherwise much exposed, that such shelter will be necessary.

Trees to break the wind

In many cases screens of deciduous trees make very good breaks, but when they are used continually you must look after the roots, to see that they do not encroach on the rose beds, and on no account must their branches in the least overshadow the rose trees.

Limes and beeches are suitable, but sycamores must be avoided, as must laburnums, acacias, horse-chestnuts, and oaks.

As a rule fruit trees are best, as they do not grow so high, and profit as well as shelter can be obtained from them. Apple trees grown espalier fashion with roses beneath them look charming, and give just the requisite shelter, being extremely hardy themselves. Pears can be grown in the same way but do not look quite so pretty, though they form a good screen