Iowa voter. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1867-1874, 1872-01-11
Notes on Evergreens.

The present season of the year IS a
kind of GIpe,7meHtam cr1tclS of the taste
and foresight of the possessors OF gar
dens, especially small ones. 1t is easy to
make a plat of ground look well in the
absence of Jack Frost but when that
cold booded man begins his operations,
beauty, which is only skin-deep, Will
speedily disappear. Nothing can be
more striking than the contrast between
some gardens in September, and some IN
November. In the former month they
literally glow with the beauty OF dahlias,
fuchsias, calceolareas, and scarlet pelar-
gomiums. In the latter they exhibit the
most mcagre desolatiOn. Even If the
ruins Of the cold have been removed, and
the broom has done its best TO make the
garden simpler muRdibuS, the change is
still very remarkable What are called
fanciers are sad hands at this way, since
thew too often neglect the general APP
pearance of the gardens. Caring for
nothing but concentrated beauty, in the
form of tulip bed, or collection
of pictures, when these favorites are
withdrawn, their domains are as lnno-
cent of verdure as an Arabian desert.
Such is the garden of those who have
not the bumps of picturesqueness, or a
taste for general effect. How different Is
the appearance presented at this season
of the year, by the grounds, whether
large or small, Of those who have an eye
for natural beauties in winter as well as
summer Now all the difference Is pro
duced by a judicious use OF evergreens'
hope to persuade some OF my readers
that winter may be made interesting and
delightful, by avaiiing ourselves OF ma
lures varied riches. The most desolate
spot can be made to assume the features
of verdure and pleasantness without IN
terfering with beds intended FOR horlsts
flowers.
And first. what garden should be with
out a portion of well shaven and veiyc,y
grass, which, green all the year round, Is
specially green among the russell hues OF
winter, This Is Flora's mantle, found
everywhere, and always pleasing to the
eve and heart. How conspicuous IS The
difference between beds OF flowers cut out
of turf, and others surrounded by gravel.
Grass properly managed will heighten
the beauties Of a garden in summer, and
confer upon il a double charm in winter.
Nv all means then introduce as much
grass As YOU can, and incur extra expense
and labor to have il good, Almost any
grass may, by care and constant moving,
be brought, in time, to some degree of fine
ness; but it is far preferable to have it
rood at first. II should rest on a hard
subsoil. 1t is common to lay the turf on
chalk or brick rubbish, and perhaps, to
secure fine grass, very rich soil should
be avoided.
In common with the grass plat, intro
duce as large a variety Of evergreen shrubs
as the space will permit The Laurestinus
is invaluable for small gardens, as It's
growth is slow, and it forms round, com
pact bushes of great elegance. Its flowers
are neverl ooked upon without great plea.
sure. being exceedingly beautiful, and set
off by the green of the shrub, and the sea
son of the year. Varieties OF the arbor,
vita. phillyrea and aucuba japonica VIII
furnish every shade of green requisite Tor
effect. Let all your shrubs be taken up
under your own superintendent from the
nursery ground, with the roots uninjured
and as much earth as possible adhering to
them. Tread the soil well in and tie them
to stakes, if large enough to be blown out
of their places by the wind. II they are
well watered in the dry season OF spring,
they are sure to flourish. -Gardener's
CHT0ntcle