CHAJPTER II. 



CONSTRUCTION, LOCATION AND DESIGNS FOR WINDOW GARDENS. 



The Window Gardener has choice of a great; number of designs for the gratifica- 

 tion of his taste. The Window Box of Evergreens, Ferns, or Ornamental Plants ; 

 the Jardiniere, the Hanging Basket, the row of Bulbglasses, the Plant Cabinet, 

 the Fernery, Wardian Case or Conservatory, may all be his : while Flower 

 Stands, Etagere and Mantel Piece Gardens, and other floral elegancies, are of 

 great variety and tasteful construction. Nothing, however, has so decided an 

 effect as broad leaved plants in the window sill. 



Our engraving opposite (Fig. 2) is a sketch of a library window, about 3 feet 

 wide, and 6 high, with book shelves on either side, and a closet below for pam- 

 phlets. The window sill is made of extra width, say 14 inches. Here is placed 

 a simple tray of about 3 inches in depth, made to fit the sill exactly : the in- 

 terior is coated entirely with tin and rendered proof against leakage. The tray 

 is filled with fresh mould from the woods, and then the plants are put in. At 

 each end is an English Ivy, and the spaces between are filled with native hardy 

 ferns, which usually are found out doors near our woods, remaining green 

 down to the coldest winds and frosts of Autumn. 



If the front of the box is too plain it may be decorated with a few acorns, 

 and strips of chestnut. 



About midway up the window is thrown across a miniature rustic bridge, upon 

 which is still another but narrower tray, with lighter and more delicate ferns, 

 such as the maiden's hair. This rustic bridge may be decorated with a lat- 

 tice of the bright red dogwood, mingled with the white shoots of the linden. On 

 the top of the window, as a cornice, some rustic branch from one of our wild 

 forest trees, may be selected, twisted and crooked ; yet affording numerous brack- 

 ets for climbing plants to rest upon. Upon this moss-covered bark the Ivy of 

 the lower box is expected soon to grow up to and crawl over, throwing its ten- 

 drils right and left, and filling it full with green foliage. A little hanging bas- 

 ket from the rustic archway, fills out the uniqueness of the picture, and the 

 landscape view beyond is in a measure enhanced by the agreeableness of the 

 standpoint from which we view it. 



In some of the finer parts of London, where Window Gardens are dressed in 

 highest elegance, there is a very popular form of Window Garden, consisting of 

 a glass case, projecting beyond the window sashes, somewhat like a little glass 

 bow-window. (Fig 3, 4.) These are made in every style, with rustic work in 

 front, or of an architectural character to harmonize with the style of the building. 



