Encyclopaedia of Gardening 297 



:ome stiff and formal; this can be corrected by a little fore- 

 thought. It is generally helpful to divide the plot into two parts, 

 separating one from the other with rustic-work. There may be an 

 arched opening, and possibly a rustic gate. A small plot may be 

 made interesting if a seat is set transversely under a tree in one 

 angle, a small summer-house in another, and a group of shrubs in a 

 third. The central area may be turfed, and a sun-dial set in the- 

 centre. The division between suburban gardens is often a low wall- 

 er fence. Both for the sake of privacy and ornament this should be- 

 heightened, and a simple plan is to set wooden trellis-work, 2, 3, or 

 4 ft. high, as the case may be, on the top. Ivy, Virginian Creeper, 

 Winter Jasmine (nudiflorum), and other ramblers may then be 

 planted to cover it. If cats are troublesome fix a strip of tanned 

 fish netting above the trellis on light rods that afford pussy no- 

 support. 



Flowers. In gardens close to large towns Roses rarely thrive, 

 and if there are factories near they are almost sure to fail. On the 

 other hand, Carnations and Chrysanthemums do well. Sweet Peas 

 are not quite so good, but they are better than Roses. The members 

 of the Primula family are not suitable. Pansies and Violas are 

 none too satisfactory. Dahlias do fairly well, but they are rather 

 too bulky for some suburban gardens. A flower that should be 

 specialised is the Michaelmas Daisy, for it is remarkably vigorous, 

 and with a wise selection of sorts will give bloom from September 

 to November inclusive. The majority thrive (see Annuals). The 

 homely Zonal Geranium may be made use of, but not to the exclu- 

 sion of hardy plants. Almost all kinds of bulbs succeed (see Bulbs). 

 Unfortunately Wallflowers are not reliable in districts where the air 

 is impure close to large towns, but they can be grown a little farther 

 out. Hardy ferns may be grown (see Ferns). 



Trees and shrubs. Three of the best deciduous trees for suburban 

 gardens are the Plane, the Linden, and the Poplar. The Lombardy 

 Poplar is very useful for making a quick screen, as if the tops are 

 cut off a year after planting the trees throw out a large quantity of 

 side shoots from top to bottom. Of more ornamental trees may be 

 named the Almond, the False Acacia (Robinia), and the Laburnum; 

 the double crimson and white Thorns as standards. The best of all 

 evergreens is the Aucuba, but the Euonymus is also good, and there 

 is a yellow-leaved form which is very cheerful in winter. 



Fruit. Suburban gardens are rarely large enough to accommo- 

 date much fruit, but sometimes there "is a space on a wall or fence. 

 Cordon trees (see Fruit) are the most suitable form. Apples and 

 Pears may both be chosen. Plums are rather too vigorous. A 

 Morello Cherry may be grown as a fan on a wall or fence with 

 an east aspect. Currants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries may be 

 planted if there is room for them. A bed of Strawberries may be 

 planted. For particulars of all these, see Fruit. Birds are not less 

 troublesome in suburban than in country gardens, and crops must 

 be protected from them. 



Vegetables. Want of space has its influence on the kitchen 

 department. It would rarely be possible, even if it were desirable, 

 to grow the large winter vegetables, such as Brussels Sprouts and) 



