218 ORKAMENTAL GARDENING. 



SUB-TROPICAL GARDENS. 



Sub-tropical gardens are those in which tropical and 

 sub-tropical plants of showy foliage, like the Palms, 

 Oycas, Dracenas, Agaves, and many others, or else kinds 

 of a different nature that bear some resemblance to these, 

 or both, are used with a view to introducing some of the 

 picturesqueness of tropical vegetation into the gardens 

 of the North. Under the head of Hardy Plants in Part 

 II are named some of that class, which possess qualities 

 that suit them to this style of gardening. These pos- 

 sess a special value for the purpose, because while very 

 effective along witii others, unlike the Palms and other ten- 

 der tropicals, they can be had in any garden, without re- 

 quiring a conservatory in which to winter them. To such 

 also may be added some hardy trees and shrubs that have 

 a picturesque appearance, like the Ailanthus, Cut-leaved 

 Sumach, Aralias, Magnolias, Honey Locusts, and others. 

 The first two named, when used for this purpose, should 

 be subjected to the peculiar treatment of cutting them 

 down to near the ground every year, and then depending 

 upon the new growth for effect. Some plants grown from 

 seed and tubers, such as Ricinus, Japanese Maize, Sun- 

 flower, Caladiums, Cannas, etc., are also very suitable 

 here. If with a good collection of such kinds, only a few 

 real tropicals can be used, a decidedly good effect may be 

 created. These latter kinds will be growing in pots, which 

 should be sunk in the soil of the bed. Even if the 

 true tropicals are entirely lacking, the effect may still 

 be very satisfactory. The sub-tropical garden should be 

 in a place somewhat protected from sweeping winds, for 

 these play havoc with the foliage of some kinds. 



HARDY FERNS AND THE WILD GARDEN. 



The hardy Ferns are a class of plants of peculiar beau- 

 ty, and an out-door fernery is very desirable. Delight- 



