42 ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGK PLANTS. 



SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING. 



|HE above term, as .we understand it, signifies the 

 using of various ornamental plants from tropical 

 or sub-tropical countries, in conjunction with, 

 hardy trees and shrubs, in out-of-door gardening during 

 the summer months, and thus produce in the open air 

 some degree of resemblance to tropical scenery. This 

 style of gardening is said to have been first brought into 

 public notice in Prance, th(iugh whether it originated there 

 or not, we cannot decide. Certainly we saw it practised 

 in Germany before we heard of it in Prance, but, however 

 that may be, it has been carried to a very great extent in 

 and about Paris, and often with splendid results. Our own 

 climate was at first thought to be unpropitious for this 

 style of gardening, but we have certainly had a much 

 higher opinion of the climate of England, especially that 

 of the latitude of London, since we have seen the wonder- 

 ful display produced by Messrs. • Gibson, Rogers, and 

 Mclntyre, in the London parks, and witnessed the rich 

 tropical efiects given to sub-tropical gardens there by a 

 judicious selection of subjects. This sub-tropical gar- 

 dening has been repeatedly condemned, on account, it was 

 said, of its expense, and of the uncertainty of producing a 

 good appearance in this climate. Nevertheless we feel 

 fiilly persuaded that it wiU now never be written dovra, 

 for the very reason that, when properly managed, it is 

 exactly the siyle of gardening to appeal to the good sense 

 of all persons of taste. 



