AMERICAN PLANTS. 275 



where they grow magnificently exposed ! The soil in which 

 Kalmia is generally found growing is a gravelly or sandy loam. 

 In this soil also grow Azalea nudiflora, and others. Everything 

 usually classed as American plants is grown in peat in England, a 

 soil that many are never found growing in in their native habitats. 



XXI. — Suggestions for Emploting Evergreens as a Winter 

 Decoration in Flower-Gardens. By Messrs. Standish 

 and Noble, Nurserj'men, Bagshot. 



(Communicated September 16, 1854.) 



The "massing "system of flower-gardening has, unquestionably, 

 many points to recommend it, and it has also very many disad- 

 vantages. Place four months' duration of the richest floral beauty 

 against eight months of barrenness and disorder, and you have 

 the question fairly stated — the verdict can only be arrived at 

 by means of individual opinion. 



It is not, however, the relative merits of different styles of 

 flower-gardening which we now intend to discuss ; but, simply, 

 how to obviate what to most persons is a disagreeable set-off to 

 the glowing masses of mere summer flowers, viz., the bare 

 appearance of the beds for so many months after the flowers are 

 faded. 



The present subject has often been brought before the garden- 

 ing public in the various horticultural publications, but, hitherto, 

 very few if any practical results have been observed. Such 

 results are, however, not only desirable, but comparatively easy 

 of attainment. Some recent attempts enable us to offer a few 

 hints that may possibly be of service to those who contemplate 

 the addition of a very agreeable feature to their gardens. 



To carry out the subject practically to any extent a few seasons' 

 preparation of some of the plants to be employed will be necessary, 

 unless they are purchased from a nursery ready for the purpose, 

 as dwarf bushy plants will mostly be required. The majority of 

 kinds, however, which will be found most useful are naturally of 

 such habits of growth. 



Beyond making, in the first instance, a proper selection of 

 plants and the subsequent attention required to bring them into 

 a proper condition, tlip plan does not involve much additional 



