590 



TRAPS TO CATCH WINTER SUNBEAMS. 



be seen that the borders, beds and masses are represented 

 as occupied with shrubby growths of various sizes. Lists 

 of shrubs that, being varied in habit of growth and flow- 

 ering, are suitable for this purpose, have been given in 

 this serial in previous issues of American Gardening. 

 The spaces unoccupied here and there are to be filled 

 with herbaceous perennials like the peony, phlox, lily, 

 anemone, hemerocallis, iris, helianthus, pyrethrum, etc. 

 Along the margin where the shrubs extend nearly or quite 

 to the grass may be planted hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, 

 etc., all of which bloom and mature their growth for the 

 year almost before the shrubs show their leaves. 



A group of evergreens is suggested for the rear of the 

 lot ; we would recommend such small growths as the 

 globe arbor-vitge, the junipers, conical and dwarf spruces, 

 with white spruce (a more moderate grower than the Noi- 

 way) in the background. Mugho pine and the dwarf 

 mountain-pine might also be included, as there are few 

 things more pleasing for the eye to dwell upon in winter 

 than the form and foliage of pine trees. 



Vines have not been forgotten. On the left side of the 

 lot, back of the large inner bed, a rustic vine-covered 



seat or arbor has been designed. It is reached by a 

 grassy walk, which divides the border at this point. The 

 vines should be planted in the ends of the borders and 

 trained above the seat. 



An examination of the outline of the marginal border 

 of fig. 2 will show that besides its numerous curves of 

 varying boldness at one point, near the rear, a certain air 

 of intricacy is introduced. The reason for this is that a 

 garden, like a lakelet, however small, appears finer if all 

 parts of it cannot be seen at a glance from any one point. 

 The irregular clump of evergreens located here, as seen 

 from the street or arbor, suggests a continuation of the 

 garden beyond it, A bed located directly in front of the 

 vine seat, and planted in the same general style as the 

 outer borders, would give a similar effect. 



The center of the general garden area has no flower- 

 beds, walks or trees to mar its smooth surface, and the 

 broad green stretch of grass gives dignity and repose to 

 the new plan for the garden— qualities impossible of at- 

 tainment in the old one, with its elaborate central plant- 

 ing, but qualities which are of first importance in every 

 garden deserving the name. 



TRAPS TO CATCH WINTER SUNBEAMS. 



HOW TO CONSTRUCT AND HEAT AMATEUR GREENHOUSES. 



■ EAR after year the acreage of fields 

 under glass increases. From a mere 

 convenience and luxury of people in 

 easy circumstances, glass structures 

 are fast becoming a necessity to all 

 who wish to see their tables well 

 supplied with vegetables throughout 

 the year, and to all who love flowers. 

 Even a small glass-covered house can 

 add much to the enjoyment of life. 

 The construction of a suitable house need not call for 

 great expense, nor its management for much labor, yet 

 the practical results in table supplies, floral decoration, 

 and in saving various small sums paid out to plant-grow- 

 ers and gardeners, may be quite satisfactory. We hope 

 to see the time when a small glass structure is an ad- 

 junct of every home garden. 



For heating small houses, steam seems to be out of the 

 question, unless it can be had from the surplus of some 

 other establishment where steam is used. The ordinary 

 flue is out of date, and requires too much attention. 

 Nothing, however, can be simpler, less laborious and 

 more convenient in every way for this purpose than one 

 of the base-burning hot-water heaters, now made upon 

 a system of iron pipes, by different firms. Two plans of 

 houses now in successful operation are given in the fol- 

 lowing contributions : 



BEEN E. REXFORD'S GREENHOUSE. 



My first greenhouse was an old veranda enclosed with 

 glass in front and at the sides, shut ofi from the living- 

 room by glass doors, and heated from a wood fire in an 

 adjoining room. In this house I grew some very good 



plants, but I was not satisfied with my heating facilities. 

 It was necessary, on ordinary winter nights, to get up at 

 least once and replenish the fire ; on very cold nights to 

 get up two or three times, and in winter I was always 

 beset with the fear that the weather would turn suddenly 

 colder while I was asleep, and that some morning I 

 should find my plants frozen. 



By and by an addition was made to the dwelling, and 

 a little greenhouse with a glass roof was built. It was 

 heated from a base-burning coal stove in the parlor, 

 which opened into the greenhouse. This was a great im- 

 provement on No. I, as the coal furnished a steady, even 

 heat, which made it unnecessary for me to give it any at- 

 tention during the night. In this greenhouse I grew as 

 fine plants as I ever saw anywhere in mixed collections ; 

 but it was too small to suit me, and greenhouse No. 3 was 

 constructed more after the plan of the orthodox green- 

 house, and heated with hot water. This is the style of 

 greenhouse I would advise amateurs to build, as it has 

 proved to be entirely satisfactory in every way. 



This greenhouse is built upon a foundation of stone, 

 the base of which is below the frost-line, so that I have 

 no trouble with broken glass from heaving of the walls. 

 The building has 8x8 sills of pine, and on these are set 

 up 2x4 pieces, reaching to the glass on the sides and end. 

 (The house is built against the south side of the dwelling.) 

 A thickness of matched sheeting is nailed to each side of 

 the 2x4 pieces, and sheathing paper is put on, both out- 

 side and inside. Before finishing the walls, the frames 

 for sash were put in, then the inside was finished with 

 matched ceiling put on perpendicularly, and the outside 

 with inch-lumber, having what is called a "ship-lap." 



