There is a story told of a magician who conjured up
a garden in the winter time. The wand of the wizard,
however, is not necessary to disclose even in a northern
climate in the cold months the beautiful contents of
Nature's world. The varieties of evergreen, pine, hemlock,
fir, cedar, and larch provide a variety of green foliage
through the dreary weather. The rich, clustering berries,
besides their ornamental character, furnish food for
the snowbirds. The Christmas rose, wax-like in its white
purity, will bloom out of doors long after frost if a
glass is turned over the plant on cold nights. The ivy
remains glossy, its green berry another addition to our
winter bouquet.
Farther south, but still within our United States, the
scarlet holly grows in luxuriance. So full of holiday
association is this tree that its branches are carefully
transported a thousand miles for use during Christmas
week. Its crisp leaves, lively color, and happy sentiment
make the holly, pre-eminent as a winter ornament, prince
in our Christmas garden.
A contrast is furnished by the delicate sprays of the
mistletoe growing upon the limbs of the oak, elm, and
apple trees. The white berry attaches itself, curiously
enough, without roots of any kind, and becomes an enduring
plant.