25 S City Gardens. 



Any nurser3'man can furnish large clumps of this plant, which, being set 

 out two feet apart every way, will soon cover the ground, and always 

 present a carpet of green leaves, studded in spring with light-blue blossoms. 



Dutch bulbs, such as crocus and tulips, will often make a rich spring 

 show; but, without sun, they soon dwindle, and have to be annually replanted. 



Lily of the valley {Convallaria majalis) will cover the ground with pretty 

 foliage, and occasionally produce a few flowers. The clumps should be set 

 about a foot apart, and they will soon run together. 



Many of the ferns will thrive in such an exposure. Of these we may 

 especially mention Dicksonia pumtilobula, a common but very delicate and 

 pretty fern. The root-stalks are slender and creeping; and, once planted, 

 it will soon cover the ground. It is easily obtained, being very common in 

 moist, shady places. 



If not too moist, the common Polypodium vtdgare will thrive. As, 

 however, it does best on rocks, a mixture of stones in the soil would con- 

 duce to the success of the experiment. Some other ferns, natives of cold, 

 damp situations, might succeed; and the experiment is recommended to 

 those interested. 



Of shrubs there are many that will live, but few that will bloom. 



Some of the hardier species of rhododendrons, such as Catawbimse 

 hybrids, Dauricum atrovirens, hirsutiim, and ferrugincuni, would give a mass 

 of foliage and occasional blooms. The same may be said of the varieties 

 of mountain laurel {Kal/nia latifoUa) and of Andromeda floribunda. Box, in 

 its varieties, does well; and, farther south, Aciiba jtaponica, and Ski?nmia 

 yaponica and ob/afa, are very valuable, but not hardy with us in New 

 England. Themahonia (J/, aqiiifolia), or holly-leaved barberr}-, does well 

 if it can have a little sun, and is ornamental in foliage, flower, and fruit. 



Evergreens (conifers) are not to be recommended for such a situation, 

 as they soon grow ragged. 



The only climber which does well in a northern exposure is the common 

 woodbine, or Virginia creeper {Ampdopsis Virginkd). This plant will soon 

 cover a trellis; but, without sun, fails to so ripen its leaves as to exhibit the 

 gorgeous autumnal coloring. 



If the yard is to be used for flowers, care must be taken in winter not 

 to make it a receptacle for superfluous snow, and to keep shrubs from 



