Flower Garden, is that portion of the ground in the vicinity of the residence, disposed in parterres and borders, tenanted by flowers and flowering shrubs, and among walks and lawns, so that the occupiers of the house may have ready access to what is so beautiful in form, colour, and fragrance. Under the title Pleasure Ground, the portions of ornamented garden more distant from the house are considered.

Aspect

The flower garden should encompass every side of the house upon which a window opens that is frequented by the master or his friends, whether in parlour or bed-room. The aspect of the flower garden, therefore, must vary; but that which is best, because most favourable to flowers, is the south, south-eastern, and south-western sides of the residence; and it is usual to arrange it so that the kitchen garden is immediately beyond it. Variety of aspect secures a succession of flowering in the same kinds. Nodirections can be given as to the appropriate size, for, if the proprietor delights in flowers, there is no reason why his parterres should not be large, though his villa be small. A very common proportion for a small cottage is, the flower garden being one-fourth the size of the kitchen garden.

Soil

Any fertile light soil is propitious, for this can be altered easily to suit any flowers. The most intractable are clay and gravel. The first is forever sodden with wet, or baked hard; and the latter is hungry, and burnt up in summer.

Arrangement

Mr. Loudon says, - "Shelter is equally requisite for the flower as for the kitchen garden, and where naturally wanting, is to be produced by the same means, viz., planting. The plantations, except on the north, or very exposed points, should not be of the tallest kinds of trees. A few elegant shrubs, and one or two trees, may be scattered through the scene, either in the dug compartments, or in the turf glade, for the purpose of shelter and shade as well as ornament; but in general, much of either of the two former qualities are highly injurious, both to the culture of flowers and the thick closeness of turf; sometimes an evergreen hedge will produce all the shelter requisite, as in small gardens composed of earth and gravel only; but where the scene is large and composed of dug compartments, placed on lawn, the whole may be surrounded by an irregular border of flowers, shrubbery, and trees." - Enc. Gard.

All this is excellent, and I will only add these general additional rules: - always plant in masses, and with due attention to the harmony and contrast of colours and forms.

Flower Garden #1

Auriculas, in pots, dress and water frequently; seedlings transplant; old plants repot, e. - Box edgings, clip, b.

- Budding of roses, jasmines, etc., complete. - Bulbous Roots, take up (see June); seeds sow. - Bulbs, autumn flowering, plant, e. - Carnations, attend to (see June); shade and shelter during hot weather; water freely, and give liquid manure. - Chrysanthemum suckers, separate and plant; lay. - Cuttings of some plants, as scarlet lychnis, will yet strike, b. - Dahlias require support and pruning. - Edgings, clip. - Evergreens, prune; seedlings, prick out. - Grass, mow and roll often. - Gravel, weed and roll. - Heartsease, plant slips, e.; water freely. - Hedges, clip. - Hoe and rake at every opportunity. - Laying carnations, etc, may be performed, b.; water freely; transplant rooted layers. - Leaves, decayed, remove as soon as seen. - Liquid Manure, give occasionally to flowering shrubs. - Mignionette, and a few other quick flowering annuals, may be sown, b., for autumn. - Piping, of pinks, etc., may be still practised, b.; pelargonium cuttings, plant, b. - Polyanthuses, seedlings, transplant; roots of old, part - Roses, bud and lay, b. - Seeds, gather as they ripen. - Stake and tie up plants wherever necessary. - Transplanting perennials and biennials, complete, b.

- Water freely, not only the roots but over the foliage.