BACK GARDENS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XI, Issue 4050, 5 November 1874, Page 3

BACK GARDENS.

The subject of buck-yard gardens (says the Audrahtxian) lias been revived by a paragraph in the Argun, describing what liabeen done by Mr. Bailies, of Ilillsgrove Place, East Melbourne, in this kind of improvement. A visit to ill'. Baines' place shewed, wc learn, that he liad "made a considerable improvement upon the ordinary back-yard, by building little glass conservatories, and filling them with flower-pots containing handsome and choice flowers, cacti, and small shrubs, and also by placing similar flower-bearing pots on the various window sills and other projections in the yard." Doubtless this represents much more than could with any practical eflfcct bo recommended for general imitation. What is wantc-d is something that is capable of adoption by the working classes and that is suitable to their means and probably restricted areas. But within the limits of practical attainment there is great scops i'or improvement iu this direction. It is not only that a pleasant recreation is by thi work provided for lialf-hours of leisure, aiul that patches of ground that are otherwise grimy, and waste, and unattractive, aic converted into pretty little patches of flowers and shrubs, bright with colour and fragrant with perfumes. If the advantages ended here, this still would be much. Hours would be snatched from slothful idleness and turned to good account in beautifying and making things pleasant to the new. But there is, in addition, the great sanitary improvement that would result from such utilisation of the back-yards. At present many of these are badly kept and badly drained, mere receptacles of dust and drainage, that remain as sources of pollution to the atmosphere. What lies there as the possible germs of disease is equally convertible into principles of fertility. It is only necessary, by a little suitable culture and planting, to assist the tendencies of Nature, and her wonderous alchemy will seize these elements and weave them into foliage and flowers, and even fruit. Many a paten that is now left damp, and mildewed, and foul is capable of being turned into a thriving garden, the occasion or mocn pleasant and healthful work, and much resulting satisfaction to its occupant. j -