Re: two countries

---

On Sat, 26 Aug 2000 23:29:27 EDT ECPep@aol.com writes:
>  When you mention envy I see Clematis montana in huge pink masses
> over
> doorways in spring.

Claire, my part of that "envy" is that someone has the time and energy to keep the C. montana from completely overwhelming the doorway, making it impassible.  ;-)  Whenever I hear people disparaging Wisteria and trumpet vine for being overzealous, I say, "If you think that's bad, let me introduce you to the larger-statured Clematis species..."

 

 

> In the US the divison of parcels of land into suburbs resulted in
> much larger
> gardens because so much more land was available.  Often zoning laws
> demanded
> larger space around houses.  We seldom see the intense use of land
> here as in
> Europe.  A typical yard (garden in the UK) will have tons of grass
> and a lot
> of space in decking or patios.  Very little of the yard is used for 
>horticultural activity. 

There was a fascinating essay in Natural History a while ago which traced the evolution of the American lawn, the result of the socio-economic rise of the middle class in the late-Nineteenth Century and the development of suburbs combined with the availability of vast tracts of land.  Basically, the author concludes that the suburban American house centered amidst a vast lawn is a small-scaled, noveau riche imitation of European manor houses.  Quite interesting.

 

Dean Sliger

Warren, Michigan, USA

Zone 6B