364 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



some of which are quite hardy in the southern and western 

 counties. All these may he used separately or together, according 

 to taste ; but when all the above-named subjects are mingled 

 together according to their respective heights, they create an effect 

 that makes a deep and lasting impression on all who witness it. 

 The centre bed of our flower-garden is this year filled in this way, 

 and its appearance is most beautiful, and will continue so until the 

 plants are removed for the summer bedders. Besides these, we 

 have the green Hollies to choose from, the different varieties of Box, 

 the Irish and the common Yew, the Chinese and American Thuias, 

 the Laurestinus, the Phillyrea, and several other ornamental shrubs 

 that any nursery can furnish. 



There are one or two real gems for this work that every one 

 ought to grow in pots ; for the trouble of doing them well is insig- 

 nificant in comparison to their worth. One of the best is Crataegus 

 pyracantha. Another beauty is Garrya elliptica. The first is a 

 brilliant berry-bearing shrub, often seen upon warm walls, glowing 

 and glistening with its coral-like berries at this time of year. The 

 Garrya is a scarce and choice evergreen shrub, that ought to be grown 

 for the sake of its long tasselled inflorescence produced during the early 

 part of winter. All the variegated Euonymus are best grown in pots, 

 in a rather poor sandy soil, or the variegation is likely to run out. 

 Another suitable subject for pots is the Jasminum nudiflorum, which 

 produces its cheerful yellow flowers through the winter, while the 

 plant is leafless. 



It is evident, then, that there is no scarcity of material wherewith 

 to render the garden as cheerful during winter (taking the nature 

 of the season into consideration) as it is during summer, and that, 

 too, without any great effort or expense. With the exception of 

 varigated hollies, which are somewhat costly, every plant I have 

 recommended may be obtained for a shilling or two ; and after the 

 first outlay it would only require, at most, a very few shillings 

 expended every two or three years to make good losses, or to take 

 the place of any that grow too large for the purpose. Under this 

 system all the plants must be treated carefully when removing 

 them. They must be planted with care, aud removed to their winter- 

 quarters not later than the middle of October. 



In the case of large beds there are two subjects, although not 

 strictly hardy shrubs, yet are admissible with them. I allude to the 

 varieties of variegated Periwinkle. An edging of the large-growing 

 variety, called Vinca major elegantissima, has a striking effect when 

 looked upon from the distance, especially if in a large bed. 



In closing those papers, I trust they have contributed to show 

 that the garden may be so managed as to present a succession of 

 attractions in all seasons, without a break or halt. As no lady 

 would tolerate disorder and dirt in her household, so I have sup- 

 posed that the " Lady's Garden " should be a garden always in the 

 fullest sense of the word, and in that view of the case have shaped 

 my agreeable labours, which are now at an end. 



