I 20 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



under the branches of an o^'erhanging tree, also three-parts enclosed by shrubs, they 

 would not be so objectionably conspicuous, while affording agreeable resorts during 



that period of the year when coolness and shade 

 are most appreciated. 



In country gardens, home-made summer 

 houses are more general, and these roomy, 

 heavily thatched structures are, it must be 

 conceded, highly enjoyable. They are usually 

 situated, as they should be, in somewhat retired 

 spots, and open out to a flower garden, rosery, 

 fernery, or children's gardens. The hexagonal 

 form is much favoured, and for posts, stout, 

 straight, roughly trimmed oak limbs are em- 

 ployed. Three openings are left, while the other 

 sections and roof are formed of common building 

 wood. A heavy thatch of reeds insures coolness, and, as far as the exterior is con- 

 cerned, completes the rustic appearance. The interior afl'ords opportunities for display- 

 ing ingenuity in panelling with split hazel or birch branches duly varnished, the seat 

 being covered with the same material and a wood floor put down. The open oak 

 posts can be clothed with climbing roses, 

 clematises, honeysuckles, and other climbers. 



The majority of persons will find it more 

 satisfactory to purchase summer-houses than 

 to make them ; they can be had from three 

 guineas upwards according to size and style. 



In larger pleasure grounds, more elaborate 

 structures, built principally with stone in the 

 Grecian style, are sometimes to be met with 

 at the ends of long walks and other suitable 

 positions, and answer their purpose as resting 

 places during hot or showery weather. 



Fig. 60. Clematis Aech (badly fuenished). 



For coolness and beauty, an arbour is often 

 preferred to a formal summer house, and may consist of a simple rustic framework, or a 

 few untrimmed posts with lighter poles across the top and sides, with connecting wires 



Pig. 59. Clematis Aech (well fuenished). 



