ON LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 19 



The summer dressing of vines, is simply to thin them out 

 where too much wood is growing, and .which would cause a 

 general weakness in the vine; the next object is to train the 

 young shoots, so that all vacant places are regularly covered. 

 These remarks will be found applicable to all kinds of vines. 



In flower gardens attached to country residences, the trellis 

 is mostly applied to arbors, which ought to be of a rustic 

 nature, and any form most convenient; formality in their 

 structure, spoils the good effect they would otherwise produce. 

 I think that most of my readers will agree, that they should 

 be of an easy and rural character. 



ART. 7. Forming and Planting the Rockery. 



The Rockery, is perhaps one of the best features of the 

 flower garden, and is particularly adapted to this climate : its 

 location depends on taste and circumstances. In most cases, 

 it is placed in a very conspicuous situation, as the front of the 

 Green-house, principal entrances, and such like. By general 

 observation, I have found that a plant thrives best on the 

 rockery, when placed in a situation where the principal part 

 of it is partially shaded by shrubbery or trees. 



In extensive pleasure grounds, the rockery has a good effect 

 when placed distinct from the flower garden, and near a rustic 

 arbor, or ornamental bridge, or seat; and if placed by the 

 side of a retired walk, near the lawn or grass plot, it has an 

 easy effect The form and dimensions, may be so as to ac- 

 commodate the location it is placed in : a long oval line, or 

 almost any form, pleases. 



The materials should be rough stones, and good rich earth ; 

 the base to be laid with stones, and then a quantity of soil : 

 this method may be pursued until the whole is completed. 

 When finished, it should have as much as possible a natural 

 appearance, and ridge-like shape. 



The plants best adapted for the rockery, are of the herba- 

 ceous kinds, as the Phlox, Penstemons, and so on : all kinds 

 of pretty native plants may also be pressed into the service of 



