SUBURBAN GARDENING. 



287 



•ment even in small gardens, where fruits, flowers, 

 and vegetables are not all , intermixed with each 

 other, and this latter practice should by all possible 

 means be avoided. It will be far more productive 

 of good effect to embrace the flowers and ornamental 

 trees and shrubs in one arrangement (with the 

 •exception, as previously advised, of intermixing 

 iruit-trecs with the shruDs), and that within view 

 of the house itself. In this manner, the best 

 possible piece of ground for a kitchen garden is 

 that part which is the farthest removed from the 

 ■dwelling, though convenience of access to the pro- 

 duce often causes this arrangement to be reversed. 

 When this plan is carried out, the formation as shown 

 will be more readily obtainable. The ground opera- 

 tions and the allotted portions devoted to the culture 

 of each given subject can be more easily arranged, 

 and with better effect, in such a case as that now 

 brought under consideration. Every square yard of 

 ground in such a plan can and should be made pro- 

 ductive of the best possible results in the most 

 •economical manner consistent with good cultivation. 

 In such small plots it is far easier to attain to a 

 greater degree of cleanliness and freedom from 

 weeds than in larger gardens, where it is not so 

 probable that every part will come under the im- 

 mediate eye of the occupier or owner, as the case 

 may be. 



Maintenance. — One little piece of advice at this 

 point might not be inappropriate, in relation to the 

 sizes of gardens and the corresponding increase of 

 •expenditure to maintain them in good condition 

 throughout. When any particular residence and 

 grounds are under contemplation for either hire or 

 purchase, it is best to consider well beforehand the 

 probable cost of maintenance in a good general state 

 of cultivation. Should the expense relative thereto 

 eventually exceed the anticipations, the result will 

 generally follow of an inferior condition of culture 

 throughout, or in one portion being very much neg- 

 lected.' As far as the garden is concerned, it would 

 be much better to keep clear of such places ehtirely, 

 for if the space cannot be kept in a tolerably good 

 condition, it wiU soon become an eyesore to any one 

 who really loves a garden and good cultm-e therein. 

 The result wiU inevitably follow of the garden 

 becoming a burden rather than a pleasure. It will 

 be found a far greater source of enjoyment to 

 maintain a small garden in a good state of culture, 

 than a larger one partially neglected, and thus 

 affording an inroad for weeds and other noxious 

 deterrents to the occupants of the same. 



IPruit. — Reverting to our plan, it will be seen at 

 once that we have allowed for fruit-trees on each of 



the three walls. The portion that faces about south 

 would be most appropriate for Peaches, Nectarines, 

 or Apricots, either of the two former being prefer- 

 able to the latter, which is more liable to canker in 

 its branches. Should neither of these fruits be 

 approved of, no better place could be chosen for 

 Tomatoes, which are now becoming so deservedly 

 popular and in much request, as well as being 

 amenable to a simple course of culture. The oppo- 

 site piece of wall facing to the north would form a 

 good position for Morello Cherries or Red Currants. 

 In the case of the latter being chosen, the plants 

 should be trained in candelabra or perpendicular 

 style, as being at once the best and simplest method. 

 The longer stretch of wall will afford an excellent 

 place for Pear-trees, than which we do not think 

 anything better could be chosen for that aspect, as 

 facing towards the east. Plum-trees might certainly 

 be planted, especially the Victoria Plum, but the 

 probable yield would not equal that from the Pears. 

 In the preparation of the borders for these fruit- 

 trees on either portion of the wall, allowance for 

 them should be made prior to the path being laid 

 down, so that every inducement may be given to the 

 extension of the roots in each case beyond the 

 limited extent between the walk and the wall. It 

 will be better to have only a thinly-made path, than 

 to endanger the root-extension by deeply excavating 

 the soil to properly prepare a sound foundation. As 

 a marginal edging to these and all other kitchen 

 garden borders and walks, nothing will surpass a 

 stoutly-made pattern of terra-cotta edging tiles, 

 that afford but scant refuge for snails or slugs, 

 which will most surely prey upon the tender and 

 succulent crops. Box edging is not to be recom- 

 mended, being more liable to injury, and requiring 

 far more attention to keep it in order. (See remarks 

 on EnorNGS, p. 193.) 



Facing to the west will be found a fairly good 

 border for Strawberries, and of greater width than 

 the other three next to the walls. The protection 

 of the hedge will act as a screen from the easterly 

 winds, but it should not be allowed to reach to any 

 excessive dimensions, either in height or thickness, 

 or the surrounding ground would become im- 

 poverished thereby. Between the hedge and the 

 Strawberries, or any other chosen crop, a line should 

 be occasionally stretched from end to end, and a 

 spade thrust deeply down, in order to sever the 

 roots from the hedge-plants, and prevent them ex- 

 tending too far into the soil of the border. For if 

 the latter is maintained in good condition with 

 dressings of manure, every inducement will be offered 

 for the shrubs to appropriate the same to their 

 benefit, which woiHd not be desirable nor necessary. 



The two central plots could be arranged for vegs. 



