^34> THE PLEASURE GARDEN. [dEC. 



Care of tender Shrubs, 



Many rare favourite shrubs, whether in pots, or 

 trained against walls, houses, &c. are liable to suffer 

 in severe winters, if not sheltered by some means 

 or other. Those in pots should be placed in frames, 

 cold pits, or otherwise, in such a manner as that they 

 may be defended from inclement weather by glasses, 

 or by being hooped over, and matted when neces- 

 sary. Perhaps as good a way as any, is that recom- 

 mended for choice flowers in pots, in September, 

 in cases where there is not the conveniency of a 

 frame or pit. 



Tender shrubs in the open ground, if in wet, 

 spouty soil, should be mulched round with a little 

 litter, in order to preserve their roots from the ef- 

 fects of intense frost, which takes the more severe 

 hold of plants so situated. They should also be 

 firmly staked," especially if new planted, that their 

 stems may not be chafed by the action of the wind, 

 just over by the surface of the earth, when encrust- 

 ed by frost ; a thing that often happens to tender 

 barked plants, if placed in wet or stiff soils. 



Tender shrubs trained against walls, houses, or 

 the like, should also be mulched at root ; and in se- 

 vere frost, should be matted up for their preserva- 

 tion. For particular choice plants, a frame might 

 be fitted to the wall, over which mats or canvas 

 might be placed every night, and in bad days ; for 

 it is advisable to admit free air to such plants in 

 good weather, especially evergreens, which other- 

 wise would be blanched. See hints on the con- 



