A PUBLIC HOETICULTUKAL GARDEN. 



0 



771 



A PUBLIC HORTICULTURAL GARDEN. 



A Suggested Arkangement for Exhibiting the Beauties of 



Plant Life. 



By Jos. Forsyth Johnson, F.R.H.S., New York, U.S.A. 



(Consulting Landscape Gardener and Garden Architect. Author of 

 Natural Principles of Landscape Gardening," " Residential Sites and 

 Environments," "Model Home Grounds," &c.) 



There is a great field for rapid progress in the development of plant life 

 in America. A few years ago extensive cultivated gardens and parks 

 were, generally, unknown in this busy land. The grounds surrounding a 

 residence were planted with grass only, and called a " yard " ; then in 

 the process of evolution trees were planted, here and there, to satisfy the 

 individual longing for Nature's beauties. During the latter part of the 

 century just closed the final impetus was given ; parks and gardens sprang 

 up in all directions like fairy visions, and in both public and private life 

 the growing of flowers commenced all over the cultivated home-lands. 

 If this progress and advance continue at the same rate America will soon 

 become a veritable garden of flowers. 



I here offer, from my numerous studies, a plan for a public garden. 

 It is a design for the development of plant life, showing the variations 

 and impressions of form and colour in growing plants. 



Of the thousands of views to be found in this plan the arrangement 

 provides that no two are exactly alike, and the general and detailed effects 

 are thoroughly harmonised. 



The plan is for a plot of land fifty acres in extent, and all that is shown 

 on the design can be developed within that area. 



The centre is supposed to be low ground ; but the bottom of the 

 garden is the lowest, falling, naturally, towards the water — a contour of 

 land quite common, of course, where there are any marked undulations. 



Land of a flat character, however, can be used effectively, but if 

 undulation is wanted money will easily procure the exact rise and fall 

 desired. 



Buildings. 



The buildings have to be supplied in accordance with the particular 

 circumstances. In the plan they consist of several apartments, each of 

 which has its advantages for the accommodation and instruction of the 

 public. Those shown in this plan are of the character usually required 

 for a public horticultural garden : i.e., an exhibition building ; an entrance- 

 hall, with all the necessary offices ; an aquarium, for the exhibition of 

 fresh- or salt-water flora and fish ; and a fernery. 



The entrance- hall is most important and necessary for the comfort of 

 visitors, and yet it is far too often a neglected feature. It should be 

 commodious and comfortable for the convenient reception of the public. 



L 2 



