38 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



and half-hardy plants, of which there are abundance easy of culture, nearly or quite as 

 attractive and far more serviceable generally than the tender bedding plants. At the 

 farthest end from the dwelling-house two deciduous trees, as shown in the design, could 

 be planted, and a few other standard flowering trees at the back of the borders generally, 

 if the position is not too much shaded, with deciduous shrubs interspersed and fronting 

 them. The best place for a frame, or even a small greenhouse, say about 10 feet 

 long and from G feet to 8 feet in width, would Ibe in one of the corners on either side of 

 the steps leading from the dwelling-house to the garden, the walks being diverted, or 

 the central bed narrowed, if sufficient room might not be otherwise provided. 



On reference to Garden Z>, it will be seen that provision is made for a good 

 breadth of turf, or the same space might bo devoted to cither fruit or vegetable culture 

 according to the taste and inclinations of the proprietor. There is yet another alterna- 

 tive, namely, a central standard and four bush apples or pyramid pears — one in each 

 corner, in small circular beds on grass. In the side borders half-standard fruit or 

 deciduous flowering-trees could be planted, and a few herbaceous and other flowers 

 between them. Where the border widens considerably evergreens should be planted 

 with a view to screening the walk surrounding the rock-work in the centre. A central 

 deciduous tree, such as a scarlet chestnut, in the background affords a good position 

 for a seat, the other columnar trees, such as poplars, forming a screen of foliage during 

 a period of six months. Whether the rock-work shall be planted with British ferns 

 or devoted to tlowering-plants generally ought to depend upon circumstances. Ferns 

 succeed in the shade, and during the hottest part of the year present a cool, attractive 

 appearance. Many alpine plants (of which selections will be given) are extremely 

 beautiful, succeeding well in sunny positions, and do not require to be very oftea 

 disturbed. 



Forecourts. 



The FORECOURT GARDENS Ere necessarily of limited area, but they can yet be effectively 

 arranged and planted. In that of House A the tradesmen's entrance may be from the side, 

 and the front garden on the ordinary ground-level, with steps leading up to the front 

 door. A holly or other evergreen hedge next the road ensures privacy, and in the irre- 

 gular border next the house, either flowers or low shrubs, with a central pyramidal holly, 

 may be grown. The open space may be gravelled and a pair of yuccas or other hardy 

 ornamental plants or shrubs can be grown in tubs. In the forecourt of House B the trades- 

 men's entrance and area steps are necessarily in the front of the house, but the garden is 



