120 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION. 



It would far exceed my prescribed limits to give a 

 descriptive list of the many varieties of plants that deserve a 

 place in the native flower garden. I have therefore noted 

 those which are most deserving of culture, by prefixing N. P. 

 in the Descriptive List, under the different heads of shrubs, 

 herbaceous plants, &c. ; and, as in every section of this 

 country, there are to be found native plants adapted to their 

 peculiar situation, I recommend that such as are pretty be 

 selected, and planted as similar as possible to their natural 

 location. This method will at once create a taste for culti- 

 vating native plants and flowers, and facilitate a practical 

 knowledge of their habits and location, in a natural state. 

 Nothing can be a more inviting appendage to the country 

 residence, where a sufficient quantity of ground can be ap- 

 propriated, than a plat converted into an American flower 

 garden ; especially on the banks of rivers and streams, as 

 those of the Hudson, Ohio, Mississippi, and many others, 

 from which water might be introduced. In such situations, 

 every variety of native plants might be commodiously planted, 

 and grown to a high state of perfection. 



The best method of laying out such gardens, is to manage 

 the water so as to form a narrow strip, or stream, two or three 

 feet deep, and if a natural stream can be had, the better: at 

 the end, an artificial pond might be made, at a trifling ex- 

 pense, for growing the Water Lily, and native aquatics; 

 and also for the purpose of introducing gold and silver fishes. 



The south margin of the stream might be advantageously 

 planted with native flowering shrubs, as the Jlzdias, Kal- 

 mias, Spireas, and those that are found growing in such 

 situations : the margin of the pond should be planted with 

 weeping willows, and trees of a pendulous habit, for shade, 

 under which, a rustic seat might be properly placed, for the 

 accommodation of those who desire to view the sporting 

 fishes, and. other interesting objects by which they are sur- 

 rounded. Attached to the pond, or streams, I recommend a 

 well arranged grass plat, with a few figures cut therein, which 



