CHAPTEE II. 



CONSTRUCTION OF BEDS, BEDS IN LAWN, RIBBON GARDENING, 



EOCKERIES. 



" Oh I who can speak his joys, when Spring's young morn, 

 From wood and pasture open'd on his view; 

 When tender green buds blush upon the thorn, 

 And the first primrose dips its leaves in dew.*' 



In preparing gardens to receive our flowers, it is better to avoid raised 

 beds, with deep walks. They suffer from the intense heat of our sum- 

 mers; and the rains wash them down, often exposing the roots of the 

 plants. Grass edgings are objectionable, on account of the labor 

 required to keep the sods from spreading. 



Beds that are artistically cut in the grass-plat produce a better effect; 

 and the brilliant hues of the flowers contrast perfectly with the soft, 

 shaven, emerald tint of the grass. One of the most attractive features 

 about a house, is a garden tastefully cut in the lawn. It is open to but 

 one objection the dew upon the grass makes it rather unapproachable 

 in the early morning, when its owner desires to feast her eyes upon its 

 beauties. 



Three designs are given for cutting beds in the grassy lawn, and an 

 artistic eye will enable our gardeners to vary them as they please. The 

 walks can be well trodden down, and hardened with sifted coal ashes or 

 clay. Gravel is not so desirable, as it clings to the feet. The grass can 

 be left between the beds, or cut out, but if the latter is done, they 

 can receive more care in the early hours of the day. 



