SUBURBAN GARDENING. 



The above tree was the largest of some twenty-five which were removed in this way 

 three j'ears since. They have grown as well as such large trees could be expected to 

 grow, and but two have died; one large Elm, which was rai.sed with roots much broken, 

 and one swamp White Oak. The trees were mostly Elm, Oak, and Dog-wood, and were 

 from twelve to forty-two inches in circumference. Since then, Mr. Fellows, in this neigh- 

 borhood, has planted a great number of large trees, with good success. It is quite clear 

 that trees of great size can be safely removed and planted, so as to grow. Two large 

 Hickorys were planted out this year by this method; they have both gone through this 

 season well, and may yet thrive in their new position — though they are not a safe tree to 

 touch. Charles Wyllts Elliott. 



New-Haven, Avg. 15, 1852. 



SUBURBAN GABDENINO. 



BY P. B. M. BROOKLYN, N. Y. 



The above phrase is intended to indicate gardening adapted to grounds in the vicini- 

 ty of our large cities, and, according to my ideas, is a different thing from landscape gar- 

 dening, of which latter there is little in this country that deserves the name, and perhaps 

 will not be very soon. For some years past, strenuous efforts have been made by a few 

 individuals, to fix in the public mind, a taste for landscape gardening, and foremost among 

 those who have labored to accomplish this most desirable object, stood the late lamented 

 Editor of the Horticulturist. AVhile nobody would rejoice more than mysef, at the uni- 

 versal diffusion of a taste for this most beautiful art, it has alwa3^s seemed to me that the 

 subject was not properly initiated to accomplish any great results. The difficulties are 

 many, and not easily surmounted. Our habits, our laws of succession, our utilitarian 

 spirit, our artificial and superficial tastes, among other things, are all against landscape 

 gardening, properly so called. It will be perceived that I use the word gardening as a 

 geneial term, of which land.scape gardening, suburban gardening, &c., are species. 

 While landscape gardening knows no narrow bounds, suburban gardening may be circum- 

 scribed within comparatively narrow limits; the one retires far from the citj', the other 

 lingers on its skirts; of the one, much has been said, and well said; of the other, little 

 or nothing usefull}'. If the talent which has been so zealously devoted to the cause of 

 landscape gardening, had been, in the first instance bestowed upon what I have termed 

 suburban gardening, there can be little doubt that more gratifying results would have been 

 produced, and the true interests of landscape gardening have been better subserved. By 

 attempting too much, it generally happens that we accomplish almost nothing. 



There are some, doubtless, who will feel the least degree of contempt for all efforts 

 which have for their object nothing higher than the improvement and beautifying of a few 

 suburbun lots; but let thera " not despise the day of small things." Those who know 

 me will bear witness that I am not one to follow by paths and devious ways, when a broad 

 road leads straight to the goal; and j^et I am thoroughly convinced, that in the matter of 

 gardening we must begin in this small vfmy; we must plant the acorn before we can get 

 the oak. 



In the suburbs of New-York, Brooklyn, and other large cities, reside many persons of 

 wealth, occupying dwellings with plots of ground embracing from two to thirty lots, or 

 more. I instance New-York and Brooklyn, because lam most familiar with them and their 

 wants; and then, too, my love, like most other people's charity, begins at home. Some 



