72 



GARDEN MANAGEMENT. 



175. Cottage gardens and allotments vaiy in size and sliape, according to 

 circumstances ; some are square, some oblong, while others are angular in 

 form, ranging in size from half a rod to a quarter of an acre. Taking a 

 medium course, let us describe one of about thirty yai'ds each way. Here, as 

 in other cases, economy recommends simplicity of design : intricate plans 

 only increase the labour, without an adequate compensation. Supposing tho 

 frontage, 3, to be laid out as a flower-garden ; 

 let the walks present a curve rather than 

 sharp angles ; let the beds be circular or 

 oval rather than pointed ; and let the space 

 for flowers be as open as possible. Nothing 

 is more beautiful than a smooth green plat of 

 grass, on which one or two of the smaller 

 ornamental trees may be planted, — such 

 trees as the silver birch, copper beech, or 

 some sort of conifer, as pines, cypress, — some 

 of the araucarias, now easily procurable, 

 or a deodar : these are not so littery as freer- 

 growing trees, and will not so soon overcrowd 

 the place. Let the edgings be of box, if 

 obtainable, — nothing is so handsome ; other- 

 wise thrift, white alyssum, or some of the 

 ornamental grasses,— or ornamental tiles are 

 both cheap and elegant. The path should 

 be of gravel, if possible ; if paved, with peb- 

 bles, or of coarse sand, — even road-sand is 

 capital for kitchen-garden walks, so also is 

 burnt clay. Let the main parts of the ground 



be devoted to kitchen crops. If drainage is necessary, ascertain v^-here tlio 

 water can be carried to. Open a trench along the whole breadth of the plat, 

 either into the intended outlet or into a well sunk in the ground, and into 

 this trench lead the several drains from the higher part of the ground from 

 one end of the garden to the outlet, gradually sloping towards the lower 

 trench. If this be left open and kept clear, it will carry off all superfluous 

 water ; but if some brushwood is laid along the bottom, it may be covered and 

 cropped over. Brickbats or stones will do, but pipes or tiles are to be pre- 

 ferred. Having done this, let one main walk pass through the centre, of about 

 five feet wide, or more if it is to be made a drying-ground. At the end of this 

 main walk an arbour, 6, may be formed of Clematis Vitalha, of the white jasmine, 

 or yellow winter- flowering jasmine : these are suitable for the purpose, being 

 of dense growth and habit, and very cheap. On each side of the arbour 

 flowers or herbs may be grown. On the sunny sides of the house let a vine, 

 ai^ricot, peach, or nectarine be planted, seeing that a proper station is prepared 

 for them. There is a wall having a southern aspect ; let it be devoted to somo 

 of these also : if not requu-ed for home use, they are salable. The main part 



