248 FLOWER GARDEN. 



work, and covered with ornamental climbing shrubs, 

 affording a delightful promenade in the glowing days 

 of summer. A separate compartment, generally of 

 some regular figure, is set apart for roses. A moist 

 or rather a shady border, with bog earth, is devoted 

 to that class of shrubs, commonly, but not very accu- 

 rately, designated "American plants." In extensive 

 places, a separate "American Garden" is often formed 

 in a locality which, if not damp, has at least the com- 

 mand of water, occupying generally some warm corner 



of the park. 



Some writers have advocated the formation of Winter 

 and Spring Gardens in separate localities ; but we are 

 not aware that their ideas have ever been embodied to 

 any great extent. It is proposed that in the winter 

 garden should be assembled all the hardy evergreen 

 shrubs and plants, together with the few flowers that 

 bloom during the brumal months. The situation, it is 

 recommended, should be well sheltered, and open only 

 to the warm rays of the sun, which are peculiarly grate- 

 ful in our cold season. However attractive this scheme 

 may be in theory, it seems doubtful whether it would 

 be very successful in execution. Mass.es of evergreens 

 have a sombre and monotonous effect, even in winter, 

 unless occasionally broken and varied by deciduous 

 trees. The contrast of their leafless neighbors relieves 

 the intenseness of their gloom, and sets off their bril- 

 liancy. Though a winter garden (the very naro.e of 

 which is chilling) is perhaps not very desirable by it- 

 self, the object sought to be attained should not be lost 

 sight of in the formation of the park and the flower 

 garden. We can easily suppose a particular section of 

 the latter to contain a predominance of evergreens, and 



