io THE UNHEATED GREENHOUSE 



however, of a coalition between hardy plants and a glass shelter 

 has hardly as yet permeated the minds of any but a few 

 garden enthusiasts ; but this slur will not long be cast upon 

 English gardens. Kew has taken the initiative in the costly 

 and splendid new wing which has been added within the last 

 few years to the Temperate range of glass-houses, and it is 

 there we must go to learn what may be done on the grandest 

 scale in the glass-garden. It is true that ample provision is 

 there made for raising the temperature, but it is used only in 

 case of need, and we come upon frequent mention of the "big 

 unheated greenhouse " in notices of plants in flower in the 

 Gardens. This covered-in garden, with its rare and lovely 

 shrubs and exquisite Lilies, forms one of the most delightful 

 attractions of Kew, which has so worthily earned, especially of 

 late years, the appreciation and gratitude of all true garden 

 lovers. 



But we need not despair if, on the other hand, our winter 

 garden must be of very modest character, and if our wish is to 

 do without heating at all, even of the most temporary and re- 

 movable kind. So be it. There is plenty of material at hand 

 if one chooses without trespassing an inch upon dubitable 

 ground, and quite as much pleasure and happiness to be gained 

 in the use of it. I remember well the description of such 

 a winter garden given in tfie pages of the Garden perhaps 

 twenty years ago. In it there were neither hot-water pipes nor 

 heating of any sort to get out of order and worry the contented 

 owner, who was, nevertheless, under no great concern for his 

 plants even in the midst of the hardest of black frosts, for he 

 took care to grow only such as could pass through it unscathed, 

 and who revelled in the fairest of spring bulbs and early 

 flowers long before the open garden could boast of more than 

 a chance blossom here and there. Very tew more's the pity 

 have been found to follow so good a lead and attain as great 

 a reward. 



