for (Bomfort ancj Convenience, for teu^urq. ever} ; it i<i> to egpre/fS> dvi?ization_ 

 ancj (©are anc| ©e/igr}, an^ to fo/ter tfte Refinement of our Qature^. 



In planning it, beauty of form should always be kept in view ; for as in a work of art 

 beauty of form is superior to coloring, as it betokens a deeper acquaintance with prin- 

 ciples, a higher refinement, so in gardening shapeliness is superior to quantity, and 

 gracefulness of outline to meaningless groups of color. By this we do not in any sense 

 mean that color should be discarded ; for beauty of tint and tone are necessary adjuncts 

 of comeliness of form.- As a general thing the delicate shades of pink and white, pale 

 blues and greens, and the softer shades of crimson and scarlet are more expressive of 

 beauty than the positive colors. 



Gardening requires talent, the knowledge of the beautiful, the harmony of color, and 

 the ability to grasp ideas and work them out so that the desire may pass from inception 

 to fulfilment. The "styles" of gardening may be stated as three: The Geometrical or 

 Italian, as it is called from its adaptation to Italian forms of architecture ; in this style 

 the terrace plays a prominent part, as it can be used most successfully in hilly situa- 

 tions. The " Picturesque," which is almost letting nature alone, or aiding her in inten- 

 sifying sharpness of detail or raggedness of outline, and is only suitable for rough and 

 hilly sections. Loudon has aptly called the last form the " Gardenesque," for in it are 

 shown varied tastes and methods, the individual preferences which take precedence of 

 style, and which add, after all, the greatest charm to the garden, for they are the most 

 natural. To this latter class belong the groupings of small shrubbery, the beds of per- 

 ennials, which delight by their apparent disorder, the mixed borders which constantly 

 present a change from grave to gay, from beauty of form and color to that which pre- 

 sents an appearance which would be ill-pleasing were it not for the single redeeming 

 feature of fragrance which charms all the senses through one. For this style of gar- 

 dening perennials are admirably adapted, for they combine in a marked degree perma- 

 nence and beauty. The graceful Foxglove delights in half-shaded situations, such as 

 shrubbery affords, and will be in bloom when the shrubs are rich only in foliage. The 

 pretty, nodding Columbine, with its fairy bells, will lend a charm to the rockery or 

 rough situations on hillsides, as it requires but little soil, and bears drouth admirably. 

 For a distant vista through trees Hollyhocks are indispensable, as they not only add 

 beauty to the scene, but also give a sense of increased distance. Tall, hardy grasses 

 such as the Pampas, Erianthus and Arundos, Castor Oil Bean, Aralias, Palms and 

 Wigandias, properly grouped will give a tropical effect, and transform barren and un- 

 sightly views into scenes of beauty and verdure. 







