512 Designs for Suburban Gardens. 



variety may be introduced. I have seen instances where a single 

 tree has overshadowed nearly a whole garden of this description, 

 and thus rendered void the possibility of any thing else growing 

 therein. I would recommend, also, that the partition fences of the 

 frontages, of whatever material they may be constructed, should 

 not exceed the height of 6 ft., in order that as free a circulation of 

 air as possible may take place, as this is highly necessary for the 

 health of the plants, and particularly in situations of this kind, 

 where, under the most favourable circumstances, they will be much 

 confined. With regard to the choice of shrubs, I should intro- 

 duce as great a variety of evergreens as possible, of those kinds 

 which, from observation, I have seen to succeed ; an enumeration 

 of which, including also deciduous shrubs and flowers, would be 

 very acceptable from any of your correspondents who have had 

 experience in the management of suburban gardens. Among 

 the common evergreens that appear to flourish in these situations, 

 I have noticed the common and variegated hollies, the common 

 box tree, the Chinese arbor vitae, the Aiicuha japonica, the red 

 cedar, the evergreen privet, and the giant ivy. The latter of 

 these (the ivy) which grows luxuriantly in most situations, might 

 not only be used to cover walls and fences, but might be trained 

 up in pyramids, or in any other form which taste might point 

 out, by having a framework fixed in the ground for training it 

 to ; and if jasmine, clematis, or some other light climbers, were 

 intermixed with the ivy, they would, I think, give a relief, and, 

 at the same time, add to its beauties during the summer months. 

 As it respects deciduous trees and shrubs, I should make use of 

 the lightest and handsomest flowering kinds that would thrive, 

 and such as, by an occasional and judicious pruning, might be 

 kept within bounds. Decorations might also be introduced 

 upon a limited scale, consisting of ornamental vases and other 

 tasteful designs, which are to be seen in profusion at Austin's 

 manufactory of artificial stone, in the New Road. 



In these designs, there will be, occasionally, places pointed 

 out where decorations of this kind may be introduced ; but they 

 are not intended to be arbitrary, as I would rather leave this to 

 the taste and fancy of those who may be inclined to bring any of 

 the designs into operation. In designs No. 1. {Jig. 86.) and 

 No. 2. (fig. 87.), the small circles indicate the situations for de- 

 corations of this kind ; and they are meant to be elevated on a 

 plinth, or basement, of stone, to the height necessary, according 

 to the nature of the articles made use of. 



Since writing the above, I have had opportunities of making 

 further observations as to the extent that evergreens are made 

 use of in the suburban gardens of the metropolis ; and I have 

 been niuch gratified by observing them to be introduced freely 



