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Sub-Tropical Garden

A term applied to a portion of a flower garden or pleasure-ground devoted, during summer, to stately-habited foliage plants, which are arranged with a view to represent tropical vegetation. Many of the plants used are natives of tropical countries, and are, consequently, only available for placing outside during the hottest part of the year; but there are others of stately aspect which are quite hardy, and are invaluable for associating with them. Tropical plants of slow growth, which have to be kept under glass all the winter, require a great deal more space than can generally be afforded them; and as they are also very expensive subjects to procure in the first place, comparatively few gardeners have any at their command. One of the most important provisions for sub-tropical plants is shelter; their leaves in most instances are soon torn, and the plants disfigured, if exposed to rough winds. Shade and moisture are also necessary for many Tree and other Ferns and Cycads. There are numerous sub-tropical plants which may readily be raised from seed each spring, as they are quick-growing, and form quite large specimens before autumn, when planted out about the middle of June, in rich soil. Of these Albizzia lophantha, Castor-oil plants (Ricinus) in variety, Nicotianas, Solanums, Wigandias, and varieties of Zea are specially valuable. Cannas, too, may readily be raised from seeds in spring; but the plants are nearly hardy, and may afterwards be increased by division of the rootstock in spring. Of tropical plants the most serviceable are: amongst Palms--Chamaerops humilis, Livistona australis, L. chinensis, Phoenix dactylifera, Ptychosperma Cunninghamiana (often known in gardens as Seaforthia elegans), Trachycarpus excelsus and T. Fortunei. Musas--M. Ensete and M. superba. Tree Ferns--Alsophila australis and A. excelsa, Cyathea dealbata, Dicksonia antarctica. Cycas circinalis and C. revoluta may be plunged in sheltered positions along with the plants above-mentioned. Amongst other subjects also available are Arundinarias, Bambusas, Centaureas, Cordylines, Erythrinas, Fatsias, three or four species of Ficus, Funkias, the New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax), Pampas Grass, &c. Other remarks on this subject will be found under Garden, and the descriptions and culture of plants referred to are given under their respective headings.