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THE
ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS
OF
LONDON.
TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCESS LOUISE, MARCH ION ESS OF LORNE,
WHO IS, WITH
ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY,
READY TO AID IN
PROMOTING ART IN ANY PHASE LEADING TO PUBLIC BENEFIT.
THIS VOLUME IS, BY GRACIOUS PERMISSION,
§eàh%itâ
BY THE AUTHOR.
Œhe outside ol this Border is Cmfom with the port full? named
■£ecunoa ulauua
• racw
sfct^ïsia secunda
yUYSlMACHlA HUMMULAR1A
iOBEUA PUMILA QRANDIFLORA
V^HNANTHERA VERSICOLOR
4^wss\0 qowrie st lob' pumila f cor a. pc!
I PACTA
RALM
cental
HNA fi kliemia reren's MTXt
ÏXQUSINA
ûfi queens
wioi mixed
lon mixed
-*"oeri cfflcmh f.leeop » BALM
"^LT|RNXINTHERA AMCENA
-"uob>fl£ue bonnet
^teck/cria oraminea aurca»
tcttE.v.ERtA SECONDA QL'AUCA^
amœna
ECHEVERIA SECUNDA GLAOC/
"STÈtL^RtA QRAM1NEA AUREA
^LOB^Ï^vBLOE .BONNET
ALTERNANTfeERX AMŒNA
* ealm
)LINA INCANA
geranium shakespeare
GEfl. MASTER CHRISTINE
ft yiOLA PERFECTION/MIXED
flower
garden
in
front of the cottage in kensington
AS PLAWTED 15 1874 BY n. COLE.
gardens
alterna*£hera paronychioides major
"^xrgjrtmjm golden • palm
frimfveria secunda glauoa
fbeda
à palm
THE
Royal Parks and Gardens
OF
LONDON,
($kir Itîitori) aiuî Jftode of (Kmtollislmwttt,
WITH
HINTS ON THE PROPAGATION AND CULTURE OF THE PLANTS EMPLOYED
THE ARTISTIC ARRANGEMENT OF COLOURS, &>c.
BY
NATHAN COLE,
KENSINGTON GARDENS.
WITH NUMEROUS WOOD ENGRAVINGS AND GEOMETRICAL DESIGNS.
LONDON:
JOURN AL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE, 171, FLEET STREET.
1877.
CIRCULAR BED IN THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS
1. Canna Annei.
2. Canna discolor.
3. Coleus Verschaffelti.
4. A stone frame, rising 2J feet.
5. Bright scarlet Pelargonium Vesuvius.
6. Silver-edged Pelargonium Princess Alexandra.
7. Single plants of Cineraria maritima compacta.
8. Alternanthera magnifica.
9. Echeveria secunda glauca.
10. Golden Pyrethrum.
11. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
ii
INTRODUCTION.
bedded out. Other nations may be rich in flowers and may
possess good examples of garden ornamentation, but it is freely
admitted that all visitors to the London Parks and Gardens may
each year find much to admire—much to imitate. It is further
generally conceded that the system of decoration adopted in these
Parks has, by the teaching of example, stimulated and encouraged
to more artistic gardening in this and other countries ; and has, by
the aid of the Gardening Press, afforded instruction by which the
surroundings of many homes have been rendered more attractive
than before. The Parks have also afforded gratification, and
wholesome healthy pleasures, to the thousands of persons who
have visited them during each successive season of beauty.
Neither have these Parks been the means of affording plea¬
sure only. Their value in a sanitary point cannot be over¬
estimated ; and they cannot also fail in exerting a beneficial
influence in promoting improved habits, awakening new thoughts,
and suggesting fresh subjects for the mental exercise of the
million, who might otherwise be employed in the study of less
desirable objects than those which nature provides and art culti¬
vates. Flowers not only charm but they teach. Trees not only
afford shade and shelter, but they adorn the landscape and purify
the air. Flowers, therefore, in the London Parks are cherished,
and trees and shrubs are planted and preserved. It is meet that
the Government should thus recognize the importance of
Park and Garden embellishment, and aid in affording
examples which it is highly desirable should be followed in the
adornment of other cities, towns, and homes throughout the nation.
A great advantage pertaining to the mode of decoration carried out
in the Metropolitan Parks is its diversified nature. The system is
not only applicable for being carried out on a scale of great
magnitude, but it is equally appropriate for private gardens, for
INTRODUCTION.
iii
the essence of the popular mode of decoration known as Tapestry
or Carpet Bedding, is that every bed is complete in itself and may
be reproduced, if desired, on the small lawn of a Villa Garden.
Already the lessons of Floral embellishment taught by the London
Parks, have been extensively and successfully applied in private
gardens. It is with a view of still further promoting the taste
for garden decoration, and affording examples of home adornment
in a concise form, that this volume is published ; which besides
conveying information which experience has proved to be sound,
and which competent judges have testified as being useful,
contains also a brief descriptive account of the Parks, which may
possess a measure of interest to those to whom their history and
general character are congenial topics.
The interest which flowers have excited in the minds of mankind
from the earliest ages to the present day has never been confined to
any particular class of society or quarter of the globe. They
appear to have been scattered over the world as a medicine to the
mind, to give cheerfulness to the earth, and furnish enjoyment to
the inhabitants. The love of flowers commences in infancy, and
increases with increasing years, and continues to old age.
The taste for flowers was never so universal and widely spread
as it is at the present time ; it prevails among all classes, from
the humble possessor of a few plants in pots in city or town to the
owner of " broad acres " in the country. We are assured by in¬
numerable proofs that flowers have endless charms. The earliest
annals of our race attest the power by which these beautiful
objects have added to our enjoyments or assuaged our sorrows.
The toiling clerk and the hard-worked artisan participate in their
pleasures, and bestow on their modest garden beds their leisure
moments, deriving health and delight from these willing cares.
Our public Parks and Gardens have been adorned with the
iv
INTRODUCTION.
vegetation of the tropics, and from all parts of the globe these floral
treasures have come. Those rich gifts from other climes, gathered
together in our own gardens in summer, have fostered a wholesome
love of flowers, and stimulated their culture in private gardens, and
have added to the attractions of numerous homes ; for such plants,
as Keble has well said—
" Need no show of mountains hoary,
Winding shore or deepening glen,
Where the landscape in its glory
Teaches truth to wandering men.
Give true hearts but earth and sky
And some flowers to bloom and die ;
Homely scenes and simple views,
Lowly thoughts may best infuse."
INDEX
PAGE.
THE GARDENS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE . . t.
PRINCESS MARY, DUCHESS OF TECK'S GARDEN AT
KENSINGTON PALACE 5.
KENSINGTON GARDENS 7.
THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS,
KENSINGTON u.
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY OF LONDON . . 15.
HYDE PARK . -19.
SPRING FLOWERS IN HYDE PARK . . . .23.
ST. JAMES'S AND THE GREEN PARKS . . .25.
VICTORIA PARK 27.
BATTERSEA PARK 31.
REGENT'S PARK ....... 35.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE AND GARDENS . . 39.
KEW GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS . . 47.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE 53.
EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT OF SPRING FLOWERS . 59.
HARDY EVERGREENS AND FLOWERING TREES AND
SHRUBS IN THE LONDON PARKS AND GARDENS . 63.
TREES IN THE LONDON PARKS AND GARDENS . . 67.
THE ARRANGEMENT OF COLOURS . . . .71.
DESIGNS FOR FLOWER AND CARPET BEDDING ON
GRASS 77-
LONDON:
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE,
171, FLEET STREET, E.C
BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDEN
SChe gopl §wh and hardens of fondait.
THE GARDENS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
^tjp'OHN SHEFFIELD, Duke of Buckingham, built a house in
ùh 1703 on the site where the Palace now stands which bears
his name. This Palace was commenced building in 1825
from designs furnished by Mr. Nash, and many years passed before
it was completed. The area of the gardens is about fifty acres, of
which there are about twenty-five acres grass. There is a con¬
siderable breadth of ornamental waters and islands ; also rustic
bridges, and magnificent trees and shrubs ; that one might believe
one's self to be a hundred miles in the country among the most
beautiful natural scenery were it not for the distant and rather faint
of the traffic in the adjoining streets.
The gardens lie to the west of the Palace, and in the Georges'
time the site which they occupy was devoted to dairy purposes, but
the late Prince Consort had the ground laid out in the English
style, and always had the gardens kept in excellent condition.
That part of the lawn which adjoins the Palace is kept quite
open, not a tree nor bush interrupting its level expanse of turf.
On this grassy carpet, cricket, football and other games have been
played during years past ; and the Royal Family can call to mind
many happy scenes of their youth. Where the lawn becomes first
broken in its continuity there is some breadth of ornamental water
well stocked with waterfowl, amongst which are many rare exotic
B
2
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
species. The waters are varied with islands and plantations, which
are connected together by rustic bridges ; and on the shore most
remote from the Palace are some grand forest trees, Oaks, Elms,
Planes, Beeches, Poplars, Limes, and other trees of stately growth,
some of which sweep their lower branches gracefully over the
glittering surface of the waters, others towering upwards, and their
tops are reflected in the clear surface of the lake. The Queen,
when the weather was fine, used to breakfast in the open air under
the shade of the trees that fringe the ornamental waters. Beyond
the water there are thickets of choice shrubs, deciduous trees,
clumps of Rhododendrons, and other evergreens. The richness
of the miscellaneous gathering is peculiar to the spot.
We next come upon wilder scenes. Sometimes we are hemmed
in between thickets, and anon are enjoying a charming view from
the crown of a hill, and again find ourselves in a deep hollow
among Ferns and grasses, or a tangle of flowering and trailing
plants. On the more level part of this varied surface there are
many noble specimens of trees and shrubs. The undulations
terminate in one direction in a mound upwards of 100 feet high,
and although artificial, it is so managed that it seems to be quite
natural, and it acquires its naturalness and its beauty from the
soundest rules of art in the formation and the planting.
The shady walks and cool retreats which necessarily accompany
this picturesque style were a constant source of enjoyment to the
late Prince Consort when staying at the Palace. Some of the walks
are quite arched over with Laburnums, Honeysuckles, Guelder
Roses, and scarlet-flowering Thorns, which were planted by the
Prince's hand, and among and under these he would ofttimes lead his
children at early dawn to hear the song of the thrush or the black¬
bird. The Prince was intensely fond of birds, and these gardens are
numerously peopled by the feathered songsters, for it was a place of
privilege to them. Not a nest was ever knowingly disturbed, and
it was the constant aim of the Royal father to teach his children
to show tenderness to helpless creatures, and it has been exemplified
in all the Royal Family. The children were also taught to take
an interest in flowers, and had each their own little garden, which
was a source of great delight to them, where they learnt the names
of those flowers which they cherished, because they had planted,
watered, and watched them. Healthy exercise in gardening is
indeed recreation—natural, simple, and pure—which may be enjoyed
THE GARDENS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.
3
in all stages of society from the prince to the peasant, bringing
blessings to the palace and peace to the cottage. Gardening
improves the heart as well as the taste ; it refreshes the body and
lightens the spirits, and the more refined the taste the more ex¬
quisite the gratification that may be enjoyed in every cherished
garden.
Bedding plants are of course used in the Buckingham Palace
gardens, and some of the most agreeable effects are those pro¬
duced by isolated masses or small groups of detached beds,
which afford scope for only a few simple colours. There is,
however, a geometric garden proper, which consists of a grand
circular scheme of nineteen beds, which I have seen effectively
arranged, planted with choice and suitable plants, and kept with
scrupulous care.
The conservatory is on the north side of the Palace, and like it,
lacking elegance, and unfortunately is not at all well adapted for
the growing of plants, and to keep it in good order the plants
must be frequently changed. I have seen it look very beautiful in
the autumn with Chrysanthemums of both the larger varieties and
Pompons, grouped with specimen shrubs and fine-foliaged plants
in which they appear to greater advantage than when exhibited by
themselves.
The Chrysanthemum is the favorite flower of all classes, and it is
one of the flowers admired by our Queen ; Chrysanthemums are
therefore extensively grown out of doors in these gardens. They
peep up amongst the shrubs, fringe the walks, cover the banks,
and make the whole place gay as if wholly devoted to this
autumnal flower, which it is not, for there are displays of all kinds
as the seasons revolve. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials and old-
fashioned plants are also appreciated by the Royal family, and
are cultivated in this park. A collection of those plants is a
source of pleasure at all seasons. Great diversity is found in this
class of plants. They vary in form, stature, foliage, colour, odour,
and time of day in which the different kinds expand or close their
flowers. Many of those old border plants are curious as well as
beautiful, and are capable of affording delight to the cultivator,
and gratification to the beholder. Let us take a few familiar
examples of Hardy flowers. The common White Lily (Lilium
candidum) is one of the loveliest of all common plants, and has a
noble appearance when allowed to take care of itsself. The same
4
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
may be said of the Turk's Cap Lily, the Orange Lily, the Scarlet
Martagon Lily, and several others which are grown in these gardens.
Canterbury Bells, Double Rockets and Stocks, impart beauty and
fragrance. The Lily of the Valley and Solomon's Seal are two
beautiful old border plants, which maybe allowed to spread thickly
in the neighbourhood of shrubs, for they thrive in the shade.
Several of the larger species of Iris and, also, Sweet Woodruff,
grow well in shaded places. The latter, when dried, has the odour
of new mown hay. The Evening Primrose is a favourite hardy
flower. The Hollyhock breaks the horizon, and itsobelisks of
colour render it the best landscape plant we possess. Yet, in
many well-kept gardens it is not to be seen; but if an artist
attempted to draw the garden, he would introduce the Holly¬
hock whether it was really there or not.
Let it suffice, then, that horticulture is fairly represented.
Mr. Humphrey, late gardener at White Lodge, Richmond Park,
is the gardener at Buckingham Palace. He was appointed in
1874, and succeeded the late Mr. George Wyness.
1. Echeveria glauca metallica.
2. Amaranthus melancholicus ruber.
3. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum.
SCROLL BED IN VICTORIA PARK
BED Al.
4. Coleus Verschaffelti.
5. Alternanthera amœna spectabilis.
6. Golden Pyrethrum.
7. Sempervivum tabuheforme.
8. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
9. Sempervivum arboreum.
10. Alternanthera magnifica.
11. Alternanthera amœna.
12. Echeveria secunda glauca.
6
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
The beds around the margin are gay in summer with flowering
plants, the bright colours of which are toned down by the cool
green turf and surrounding belt of shrubs. The two circular
basket-shaped beds on the south side, and some of the beds on the
lawn, are surrounded with Ivy edgings, an arrangement by which a
pleasing effect is produced, not only during summer, but also in
spring, when these beds are full of Tulips, Hyacinths, and other
early-flowering bulbs. Unsightly walls here and there have been
trellised, and ornamented with creepers, and on the lawn are many
interesting specimen plants, but so placed as not to interfere with
the open centre of green well-kept turf.
On the north side of the palace is a sloping bank, and at the
bottom the walk runs in gentle curves, and leads into arbours and
picturesque nooks and corners. These little retreats are delightful
on a hot summer's day ; aye, and in the evening too, when all is
still and calm. The space here is limited and confined, but there
is much variety. The exterior of the garden has a diversified
border of shrubs and flowers, intersected with gravel walks traced
in easy flowing lines. The interior is laid out with as much variety
as the plot will admit ; the shrubs are dotted about on the
irregular surface, making an interesting and attractive scene.
SN3QUV0 NOXONISN3X
KENSINGTON GARDENS.
HIS beautiful place of public resort is 250 acres in extent,
and is pre-eminently favoured by being the chosen resort
of rank and fashion. Kensington Gardens are surrounded
with wealth and luxury, and are the centre of a fashionable quarter
of the metropolis. The mighty power of money is evidenced on
all sides in the magnificent mansions which have risen during the
last few years, where only a short time previously were fields and
market gardens. The change has been from comparative insigni¬
ficance into affluence and fame ; but the Gardens seem to present
nearly the same general features now that they did when surrounded
by market gardens, and were then, as now, remarkable for the
splendid old trees which are to be seen in all parts ; and judging
from the healthy young specimens which may be seen growing, and
the great ability displayed in the planting of them, there will be no
lack of shade for generations to come, for here we have beautiful
avenues, groves, and glades among young trees growing every
year into beauty.
The fine lines of trees that form the avenues running from the
round pond to the east, north-east and south-east were planted by
the late Mr. Mann about half-a-century ago. The old trees had then
been decaying for some years, making gaps that young trees could
not fill ; and as there was space sufficient to admit a line of young
trees being planted in front of the old, this was done, and the result is
that there are groves of half-grown and flourishing specimens, the
older and taller trees in the rear towering above them, and blending
their foliage with them in a very pleasing manner. The ornamental
8 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
effect of their association is greatly enhanced in the autumn, for
the old trees change colour before the young trees, bringing out
with marked distinctness the variety of foliage-tints, and clear out¬
line of forms. It is said that in a grove or an avenue the same
object is seen from beginning to end. Granted, but in Kensington
Gardens there is a perpetual change, for here are groves of Limes
and avenues of Elms ; in fact they meet and cross each other in all
directions, and there are also groves of Chestnuts, Hornbeams,
Planes, and Beeches. These have a simple and grand effect
any sameness or without even formality. In the spring time there
is something very charming in these rows of trees ; every line has
its peculiar tint of green, which is soft, fresh, and delicate, and very
enjoyable, especially early in the morning. Nature's works are more
beautiful at daybreak than at any other time, when the glittering
dewdropsare still fresh upon the leaves, and the birds around are
singing sweet songs of welcome to the opening day ; and assuredly
you may catch a wafting of flowery perfume, for the murky vapour
emitted from surrounding chimneys cannot hinder the trees from
growing, the birds from singing, nor the flowers from blooming.
There are many pleasant walks and promenades to be found in
these Gardens. From the high road, Kensington, to the high road,
Bayswater, is a gravel walk 60 feet in width, and on each side are
stately old Elm trees in excellent health. The banks of the Serpen¬
tine in these gardens popularly spoken of as the Long Water, have
been much improved by the planting of ornamental trees, shrubs,
beds of Rhododendrons, and flowers ; also good gravel walks have
been made leading to the fountains, which materially enhance the
beauty of the place. North-east from this point the Gardens
are very picturesque. There is that pleasing variety of outline
for which scenes in nature are eminently distinguished ; there
is also a natural disposition of trees and shrubs, with ornamental
waters, serpentine walks, plantations,and avenues, so associated
as to form an harmonious whole. At this part of the Gardens
there are some massive old trees, one of the most picturesque
is a Wych Elm. Its knotty trunk is about 6 feet in diameter.
Its foliage, though massive and thick, never appears heavy to
the eye, owing to the lightness of the spray and the loose free
manner in which the leaves adhere to the branches. This part
is also adorned by a most beautiful specimen of the Horse
Chestnut ; it is standing alone, and has expanded its branches over
KENSINGTON GARDENS.
9
a large extent of ground, forming a charming summer shelter ;
there are also many fine Beeches. The Beech attains to a great
magnitude when standing alone, and exhibits the appearance of a
round-headed and spreading tree, but when it is surrounded by other
lofty trees it loses this characteristic. One here surrounded by
Lime trees is 120 feet in height, and the trunk 6 feet from the
ground is 12 feet in circumference. The Beech is one of the most
ornamental of forest trees ; its smooth bark, its dignity, its
pendulous boughs, and its glossy foliage render it a chief ornament
in any landscape. For public walks, drives, and avenues it ranks
in the first class for picturesque beauty. An avenue of Beeches
may be seen from the fountains, as shown in the engraving, run¬
ning in a south-westerly direction. There is no fear of Kensington
Gardens becoming an open plain if the planting of trees is carried
out as it has been for the last forty-five years.
The Albert Memorial is a fine addition to the Gardens, and is at
all times a source of admiration to visitors, and the general opinion
of observers concerning this fine piece of work is that the Prince
was worthy of it, as he did so much for the arts and sciences during
his lifetime. This portion of Kensington Gardens formerly be¬
longed to Hyde Park, and a few years back was taken away on the
principle of robbing Peter to pay Paul ; and those who can
remember this comer when belonging to Hyde Park, and will
compare what it was then with what it is now, will best appreciate
the alteration, for what was an untidy and desolate-looking piece of
ground has been transformed into a charming pleasure garden.
The long flower walk is the most fashionable and at the same
time the pleasantest promenade in the Gardens ; it is 700 yards
long, and possesses many charms. The botanist of high culture
may be gratified and the public be interested, for here is a large
assortment of choice trees and shrubs on each side of the walk
correctly named, and the shrubberies are fringed with herbaceous,
bulbous, subtropical, and bedding plants.
The Ivy cottage in the Gardens and its semicircular garden plot
opposite attracts thousands of admiring spectators during the
summer months, and for their comfort chairs are placed in shady
spots under the forest trees by which the cottage is in part sur¬
rounded. The round pond near the palace was made in the reign
of George II. by his consort Queen Caroline.
The Gardens were almost private in the reign of George II., the
10 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
public being admitted on Saturdays only when the King and Court
were absent, and then only in full-dress costume, and down to a
much later period there were restrictions in force, giving the
Gardens something of a private nature ; but now they are free.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS KENSINGTON
THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
GARDENS, KENSINGTON.
HESE gardens occupy about twenty-three acres. They are
a parallelogram in shape, surrounded by colonnades and
covered arcades, and on the north side, in the centre
of the arcades, is a very large conservatory. The gardens are
laid out in the Italian style, planned with good taste, and
eminently adapted for promenade by numerous intersections of
grass and gravel walks, highly embellished fountains, basins, canals,
cascades, balustrades, vases of rich design, statues in marble and
bronze, and numerous other embellishments ; terraces, flights of
steps, alcoves, and parapets ; sloping lawns, and a variety of surface
producing pleasing effects. The water for the fountains, cascades,
&c., is supplied by an artesian well 400 feet in depth, which is cap¬
able of supplying a million gallons in twenty-four hours of a pure
and soft quality suitable for the purpose of the garden. The
artificial adornments are brought into harmony with the natural
beauties of the trees and shrubs, and the various climbing plants
twine round and between the balusters, clustering on the tops and
varying the height of the terrace walls in various styles. The
arcades, alcoves, and projections from buildings are made sup¬
porters of climbing plants, softening down the sharp outlines of
masonry.
The trees have grown to a size producing depth of greenness
and breadth of shadow, and break the continuity of view, so that
the eye cannot range over the whole space, as formerly, without
being attracted to some pleasing forms of vegetation ; and in all
parts of the grounds there begins to appear that boldness of relief
which only time could give. All the decorations of this garden
are highly ornamental, and accord with the surrounding style and
character of the buildings ; and if well kept up it would become
very popular, for it is well situated for fashionable resort, and
12 THE ROYAL TARNS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
surrounded by residences of families moving in the highest society ;
and the garden preserves an open space in a district which has
been fast closed in by buildings in this fashionable quarter of the
metropolis. A garden thus situated could not be better calculated
for exhibiting good examples of the high art of horticulture.
All should again unite with Dr. Hogg, the present zealous and
accomplished secretary, to support the old institution that has
done so much good service during a period of sixty-eight years,
fostering and encouraging every branch of horticulture. Certainly
the Society has before been in cloudy circumstances and on the
point of extinction, but then the good Prince Consort revived
it ; his influence restored its prestige, his plans recruited its funds,
and so enabled the Society to construct the garden and restore it
to prosperity. Captain Fowke, Mr. Smirke, and Mr. Nesfield
furnished plans for the garden, but it was the Prince who first
suggested the ideas which they put on paper ; it was he who ex¬
amined the plans, altered, and corrected them until they gradually
assumed their present form.
In 18x 8 it was thought the Society was in a position to warrant
the establishment of an experimental garden. The income was
/"i,79i ; the funded property /"1,40c), and floating property
estimated to be worth /*3,ooo {a large proportion of which was,
doubtless, arrears of subscriptions). An experimental garden was
accordingly established at Kensington, with an auxiliary nursery at
Ealing. The turn of events has again brought round a recurrence
of the same conditions which existed fifty years ago. The Horti¬
cultural Society has returned to Kensington, near the spot where
the old garden stood, and it has again its auxiliary nursery, only
it is at Chiswick instead of Ealing.
At this time (about x 818) the Society began the system of pro¬
curing seeds and plants from abroad, and distributing them to the
Fellows. Plants were first sent from China by Mr. John Reeves,
a zealous horticulturist, and by-and-by the Council began to send
out collectors on their own account. The assets of the Society
increased. The house in Regent Street, which for forty years
afterwards was the focus of horticulture in Europe, was brought
at the price of /"4,20c». The subscription to the Society was raised
from £2 2S. to /"3 3s., and the admission fee from £3 3s. to
£5 5s. ; and in 1821 there were as many as 328 elections in one
year.
I I I I i I
1. Perilla nankinensis.
2. Pelargonium Waltham Seedling.
3. Centaurea ragusina.
4. Coleus Verschaffelti.
5. Pelargonium Mrs. Pollock.
6. Iresine Lindeni.
1
BED AT KEW
I
7. Sempervivum urbicum.
8. Centres of semicircles Echeveria
metallica.
9. Pelargonium Daybreak.
10. Lobelia speciosa.
11. Golden Pyrethrum.
_! 1
12. Alternanthera magnifica.
13. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium
variegatum.
14. Althernanthera Amcena.
15. Echeveria secunda glauca.
16. Curbstone.
BORDER IN THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS
Scale
=1 feet.
1. Pink Pelargonium Christine.
2. Silver-edged Pelargonium Flower of
Spring.
3. Althernanthera amœna.
4. Echeveria metallica.
5. Echeveria secunda glauca.
6. Golden Pyrethrum.
7. Lobelia Erinus speciosa.
8. Grass.
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY OF LONDON.
HE Royal Botanic Society was founded in 1839 by a Royal
Charter granted by the Queen to the then Duke of Norfolk,
the Duke of Richmond, Earl of Albemarle, Col. Rushbrooke,
Philip Barnes, and James De Carle Sowerby (who were also named
the first Fellows of the Society) "for the promotion of botany in
all its branches and its application to medicine, arts, and manufac¬
tures, and also for the formation of botanical and ornamental
gardens within the immediate vicinity of the metropolis," the Duke
of Richmond being named in the charter as the first President,
followed in 1841 by the Duke of Norfolk, in 1855 by the Prince
Consort, in 1862 by the Earl De-la-Warr, and in 1869 by the
present President—H.S.H. the Duke of Teck.
The garden, which comprises the whole of the inner circle of the
Regent's Park, a little over 18 acres, is held on lease from Her
Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests, first granted in
1840, and since renewed at an advanced rent. Before the Society
entered on the land it was in the occupation of Mr. Jenkins as a
general nursery, the Society paying him a considerable sum for
the stock, &c. At that time (1840) the garden was a flat piece of
ground with a gentle fall from the centre to the sides, one gravel
walk crossing from east to west, a circular walk of about the semi-
diameter of the outer circle or fence, and two small lawns, a few
large Elm trees, Horse Chestnuts, Planes, Thorns, Birch, Weeping
Ash, and fruit trees ; the soil—a cold, stiff, yellow clay—had been
only partially cultivated. In that year (1840) Mr. Robert Marnock
(recommended to the Committee by the well-known and respected
J. C. Loudon) was appointed to lay out the garden, the first works
being the digging of the lake and the general alteration of the flat
surface of the ground. . In this Mr. Marnock so admirably
i6 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
succeeded that most visitors to the gardens look upon the undula¬
tions and curves rather as the work of nature than of art.
The next consideration was to bring into view, by proper
openings between the trees, all the picturesque features the locality
was capable of affording ;—namely, wood, water, and hills ; besides
spires and such like architectural accompaniments—which would
impart beauty and variety to the landscape. Advantage was taken
of trees and single specimens in the foreground. No tree was cut
down that could be worked in the picture, knowing that such
materials are not to be obtained until after years of patient
waiting—at the same time, there was no want of proper courage
and discrimination for all trees which were not suitably placed
were cleared away, and those left clearly show how much may be
done by judiciously removing superfluous trees. Good taste was
also exercised in the selection of new materials—the choice of
newer trees and shrubs ; and the manner in which they are
disposed, both in groups and as single specimens, is such, that
shows them to the greatest advantage, and an effect is produced
on which the eye can dwell with pleasure.
The garden is ornamental and park-like in appearance. It has
been so judiciously planned and planted that it looks much more
extensive than it is, especially as it merges into the surrounding
scenery ; the trees, shrubs, and lake in Regent's Park appearing as
if they were part of the garden. Besides the broad straight gravel
walk leading from the principal entrance to the conservatories there
are winding paths leading to shady groves and pleasant retreats.
The garden is instructive as well as being attractive, for the plants
are arranged according to the natural system. There is also a
flower garden for the arrangement of colours, a geographical
garden, an exhibition ground, a winter garden or conservatory,
houses for tropical, subtropical, medical, economic, aquatic plants,
&c., all well stocked with specimens.
The first portion of the conservatory was built in 1846 from the
joint design of Mr. Decimus Burton (the Architect of the Society)
and Mr. Richard Turner, by whose firm at Dublin the whole of the
work was executed; in 1871 the east wing and corridor were
added, and in 1876 the west wing was completed, both these
additions being executed by Messrs. Turner. The entire structure,
with the exception of the corridor, is of glass and iron, and measures
235 feet in length by 100 feet in breadth.
ÈOYAL BOTANÎC SOCIÈTY OF LONDON.
The summer exhibitions of plants, flowers, and fruit, commenced
in 1843, and of spring flowers in 1859, have been continued to the
present time. Exhibitions of Rhododendrons planted in the ground
were began in 1849 and continued up to 1874, when special exhi¬
bitions of Clematises, Roses, &c., were introduced.
Botanical lectures in the museum, commenced in 1853 by the
lamented Professors Edward Forbes and Arthur Henfrey, are now
continued by Professor Robert Bentley.
The gardens, owing to their near vicinity to the medical and
other schools of London, have for many years been of much service
in supplying illustrative specimens for the use of professors,
teachers, &c. Students of all kinds and artists duly recommended
are admitted freely to the gardens. Nearly five hundred free orders
were issued last year for terms of from one to six months, and in
1875 nearly 33,000 cut specimens were distributed to teachers and
students.
Good results will certainly follow these liberal measures, namely,
the diffusion of Botanical knowledge, and a more general love
of plants (a taste that is rapidly increasing through the medium of
this and other kindred societies,) will be promoted. The study of
plants is one of the most delightful exercises for the mind, and is a
subject fraught with substantial benefits, both commercially and
medicinally. The resources of the vegetable world are inex¬
haustible, and there may be found, in every plant, something
to astonish and delight us ; for there, as Cowper has said we
may—
" Mask the workings of the Power,
That shuts within the seed the future flower.
Bids these in elegance of form excel ;
In colour these and those delight the smell.
Sends Nature forth, the daughter of the skies,
To dwell on earth and charm all human eyes.1'
The range of houses (150 feet) in the garden of medicinal plants,
built by the present Secretary in 1874, already contains one of the
best collections of economic plants.
Highly is the Society indebted to the zeal and abilities of indivi¬
duals whose names are familiar, especially to James de Carle
Sowerby, the late Secretary, and William Sowerby, his son, the
present Secretary. The excellent President, His Serene Highness
c
i8 THE ROYAL PARLCS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
the Duke of Teck, has greatly contributed to the welfare of the
Society; the garden has also an able superintendent in Mr. W-.
Coomber.
HYDE PARK—THE DELL
HYDE PARK.
<2~
tT is probable that this name is a corruption of the Anglo-
Saxon designation of part of the manor Eia, and which may
have derived its title from Ea, running water, as the rivulet
Tyburn passed through its entire length. The manor of Iiyde
Mr. Walford says, was in the possession of the Abbey of West¬
minster at the time the Domesday Book was compiled, and
remained in the hands of the monks until seized upon by King
Henry at the time of the Reformation. Of the manor of Hyde
we know that its woods afforded to the monks both firewood
and shelter for their game and waterfowl ; and there is extant
a document in which William Boston, the Abbot, and the rest
of the Convent of Westminster, with their entire assent, consent,
and agreement, handed over to his Majesty "the seyte, soyle,
circuyte, and precincte of the manor of Hyde, with all the
demayne lands, tenements, rentes, meadowes, and pastures of
the said manor, with all other profytes and commodities to the
same appertayning and belonging, which be now in the tenure
and occupation of one John Arnold."
" Henry's main object in appropriating this estate," observes
Mr. Larwood, " seems to have been to extend his hunting grounds
to the north and west of London. As we have already seen, the
king had previously purchased that plot of ground which afterwards
became St. James's Park. Marylebone Park (now the Regent's
Park and surrounding districts) formed already part of the royal
domain ; and thus the manor of Hyde, connected with these, gave
him an uninterrupted hunting ground, which extended from his
palace of Westminster to Hampstead Heath. That some such idea
existed in the royal mind appears from a proclamation for the pre¬
servation of his game, issued in July, 1536, in which it is stated that
' As the King's most royal Majesty is desirous to have the games of
io THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDOtf.
hare, partridge, pheasant, and heron preserved in and about the
honour of his palace of Westminster, for his own disport and
pastime, no person, on the pain of imprisonment of their bodies,
and further punishment at His Majesty's will and pleasure, is to
presume to hunt or hawk, from the palace of Westminster to
St. Giles-in-the-Fields, and from thence to Islington, to Our Lady
of the Oak, to Highgate, to Hornsey Park, and to Hampstead
Heath.' It was, probably, also about this period that the manor
of Hyde was made into a park—that is, enclosed with a fence or
paling, and thus became still better adapted for the rearing and
preserving of game. And here it may be fit to observe that its
extent at that time and for long after was much greater than it is
at present, reaching as far as Park-lane to the east and almost up to
the site of Kensington Palace to the west.''
Cunningham observes that to the passionate fondness of the
early English sovereigns for the chase we owe in all probability
the parks of London. What was a passion in our Williams and
Edwards became in their successors a fashion also. Even the
awkward and timid James deemed it a part of his kingcraft to
affect a love of the chase. Hence the formation of St. James's
Park by Henry VIII., and the retention of Llyde Park and Mary-
bourne Park by that king and his successors when other lands
appropriated by the Crown at the dissolution of the monasteries
were squandered away as lavishly as they were covetously grasped
in the first instance. There are circumstances which would lead
us to attribute to Henry VIII. a more extensive project than that
of merely studding the country in the vicinity of the royal
residence with deer parks.
Hyde Park occupies nearly 400 acres. The sheet of water
ironically called the Serpentine, being nearly straight, was formed
in 1770-3 according to the order of Queen Caroline; but the
waterfall at its eastern end was not constructed until 1817. The
angle which Apsley House occupies and a large portion of
Kensington Gardens have been abstracted from the park.
Hyde Park was a favourite place of resort for those who brought
in the 1st of May with the reverence once paid to it. Pepys breathes
a sigh in his " Diary " on the evening of the 30th April, 1661 (he
was then on a pleasure jaunt), to this effect :—" I am not in London
to be at Hide Park to-morrow morning, among the great gallants
and ladies, which will be very fine." It was very fine, for Evelyn
HYDE PARK.
21
has entered in his " Diary," under the date of the identical ist of
May referred to by Pepys :—" I went to Hide Park to take the air,
where was His Majesty and an innumerable appearance of gallants
and rich coaches, being now at time of universal festivity and joy."
But even during the sway of the Puritans the Londoners assembled
here " to do observance to May," as we learn from " Several Pro¬
ceedings of State Affairs, 27th April to 4th May, 1654."—"Mon¬
day, ist May. This day was more observed by people going
-maying than for divers years past, and indeed much sin com¬
mitted by wicked meetings with fiddlers, drunkenness, ribaldry, and
the like ; great resort came to Hyde Park, many hundreds of
coaches and gallants in attire, but most shameful powdered-hair
men, and painted and spotted women. Some men played with a
silver ball, and some took other recreation. But His Highness
the Lord Protector went not thither nor any of the Lords of the
Commonwealth, but were busy about the great affairs of the
Commonwealth."
A resident has observed in a local periodical that a map of Hyde
Park about the year 1736 or 1737 shows the turnpike and gallows
at Tyburn, and a double row of walnut trees with a wide gravel
walk between, running from north to south parallel to the Park
Lane. In the centre of this avenue is a circular reservoir belonging
to the Chelsea Waterworks, and from which not only Kensington
Palace and the suburb were supplied, but also " the new buildings
about Oliver's Mount " (now Mount Street) " and the northern
parts of Westminster." Mr. Larwood tells us that the machinery
used for forcing the supply was at that time so primitive that the
water had to be conveyed to the houses on the high ground near
Grosvenor Square by means of a mill turned by horses.
This avenue of walnut trees was standing till about the year
1810, when most of the trees, being much decayed and in danger
of being blown down whenever the wind was high, were cut down,
their wood being designed to make stocks for the muskets of our
infantry.
In the map the " Ring " is marked with a large circle, apparently
about 150 yards to the north of the east end of the Serpentine.
Round the " Ring " appears a square of large trees, a few of which
may, perhaps, still be standing. There is a small brook which runs
into the Serpentine, near the present boathouse, from the-neigh¬
bourhood of the Uxbridge Road, and two small ponds of water are
22
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
marked towards the south-east corner—one nearly where the
statue of Achilles now stands, and the other nearer to the rear of
Apsley House. The map shows also the two roads running
parallel to the Serpentine on the south, marked respectively as " The
King's Old Road or Lamp Road," and " The King's New Road,"
the former corresponding nearly with the Rotten Row of our time,
and the latter running, as now, inside the park close to the
Knightsbridge Road and Kensington Gore. On the north of the
Serpentine there is apparently no regular road, except for about
ioo yards from the eastern end, where it bends to the north
away from the water towards the " Ring."
The " Ring " was a place of fashionable resort down to the
reign of George II., when it was partly destroyed in the formation
of the Serpentine river. Remnants of it were still traceable at the
beginning of the century on the high ground directly behind the
farmhouse. A few very old trees are even now to be found on that
spot. Some of these are indeed ancient enough to have formed
part of the identical trees round which the wits and beauties drove in
their carriages, and, as Pennant says, "in their rotation exchanged,
as they passed, smiles and nods, compliments or smart repartees."
Plain as it was, it must have been a pleasant spot on a summer's
afternoon. Situated on an upland space of ground one may
imagine the pleasurable prospect from hence when all around was
open country, and nothing intercepted the view from the Surrey hills
to the high grounds of Hampstead and Highgate. One can easily
imagine how delightful it must have been for the ladies who " came
in their carriages from the hot play-house and close confined
streets of the city, to be fanned by soft winds which blew over
broad acres of ripening corn, flowering clover, and newly mown
hay, or rustled through the Reeds and Willows on the banks of the
pools."
Walker, in "The Original," in 1835, speaks of the "Ring" as
being still traceable round a clump of trees near to the foot
barracks, and enclosing an area of about 90 yards in diameter and
45 yards wide. "Here," he adds, "used to assemble all the
fashions of the day, now diffused round the whole park, besides
what is taken off by the Regent's Park."
Yet there is still no out-door spot in London that has such a
world-wide reputation as this, and for a stranger to be in London
during the season and not to visit it would be to miss a sight where
HYDE PARK.
23
beauty, fashion, wealth, and luxury, and not a few men of rank and
distinction from all parts of Europe, congregate. To the lovers of
horses, too, the sight is unequalled, for here in the season he will
see some of the finest animals that money and knowledge of quality
can procure, also every kind of fashionable vehicle which the inge¬
nuity of carriage builders can produce. There is a beautiful shady
walk on each side of the Ladies' Mile, and those walks will improve
every year, for the trees are still young, but the foliage is very fine
and indicates health. The Albert Gate end of the Serpentine,
which was formerly nothing but a dirty ditch, is now a charming
little dell and an object of much admiration.
SPRING FLOWERS IN HYDE PARK.
Spring flowers are successfully grown in Hyde Park. Early
Hyacinths are the chief ornaments, their beauty, fragrance, and
variety combining to render them specially attractive. The col¬
lection includes the most useful kinds for the purpose of outdoor
bedding. They are planted in oblong beds, one variety in a bed,
the entire length of Park Lane, and the effect produced is charming,
almost every hue from the most vivid down to the most soft and
delicate in tints of colour being represented. The most effective
beds are those of Amy, bright rich red ; Robert ^Steiger, like the
former, but deeper in colour ; Sultan's Favourite, blush white,
striped with carmine ; Sir Edwin Landseer, dark glossy puce ;
Grandeur à Merveille, blush pink; Norma, delicate pink; Voltaire,
blush white, wax-like ; Grand Vainqueur and La Candeur, two of
the purest and best whites ; Regulus, porcelain blue, shaded white,
excellent; Charles Dickens, pale shaded blue; William I., violet-
black. Those are twelve of the best Hyacinths for bedding ; they
all flower at the same period, and they are of the same height,
thus ensuring uniform and equal effect. A few beds planted with
three colours are very pleasing.
Tulips are also extensively grown in this Park, the collection
comprising the best sorts in cultivation, and perhaps no other
plants either of early or late-blooming character produce such a
glowing combination of colour with the same neat and diminutive
24 THE ROYAL PARKS A AD GARDEArS OF LONDON.
style of growth. A few of the most distinct and useful of the
single sorts are :—Alida Maria, white tipped and flaked with
cerise ; Angelina, red and yellow ; Artist, crimson ; Canary,
yellow ; Cottage Maid, white and rose ; Due Van Thol,
cinnabar red, with orange border ; Eleonore, violet purple ;
Golden Prince, good form and sweet scented ; La Cour de
Brabant, yellow, with bronze red bars ; Purple Crown, rich
crimson ; Thomas Moore, Orange buff ; Vermilion Brilliant,
bright scarlet. The best doubles are Agnes, bright scarlet ;
Due Van Thol, red, with pale yellow margin ; Etoile Cramoisie,
violet crimson ; Gloria Solis, rich bronze crimson ; La Candeur,
clear white ; Murillo, blush rose ; Regina Rubrorum, crimson ;
Rex Rubrorum, scarlet ; Titian, bronze red, with pale yellow
margin; Tournesol, scarlet and yellow ; Yellow Tournesol, buff
yellow, flushed with pale red; and Velvet Gem, crimson, small
yellow marginal lines.
Hyde Park, also St. James's and the Green Parks, and Kensing¬
ton Gardens, are under the skilful superintendence of Mr. Gibson.
ST. JAMES'S AND THE GREEN PARKS.
HE Green and the St James's Parks are allied in their his-
, tory, as they are in contiguity, being divided only by about a
hundred yards of iron fencing, and why the semblance of
a distinction between them should be maintained is not easy to
determine. The two Parks together are not more than 118 acres in
extent. The ground was formerly waste land which was enclosed
and improved by Henry VIII. who built a palace thereon, known
as St. James's Palace, from which the Park took its name. Deer
were kept in the Green Park, thus the grass would be short, and as
the Park was almost free from trees, it naturally would be green.
The two Parks were originally much larger than they are now ; Pall
Mall was formerly within the limits of St. James's Park, and
George III. abstracted some of the ground in the Green Park to
increase the private ground attached to Buckingham Palace.
There are some old trees in both these parks, but they are not
nearly so fine as the trees in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
St. James's Park is picturesque, the ground being undulated
and much intersected by wood and water. One of the most dis¬
tinguishing features is the lake; the great diversity of the plantations,
and the variety of trees and shrubs that clothe the islands produce
an agreeable effect. Magnificent edifices showing different archi¬
tectural features, the outlines of the buildings being partially
concealed by lofty trees, render the scene additionally attractive.
The disposition of the trees testify that good taste was displayed in
the formation and planting of these parks. The best of the trees
are to be found in Birdcage Walk, and on the north side of the
Park. Spring flowers were at one time largely grown in this park,
and one side of it is called Spring Gardens, but flowers are not now
very plentiful. Improvements are now in progress. The walks
and paths have been made convenient for promenade, and cheerful
26
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
in appearance, by the smooth surface of bright yellow gravel ; the
grass also that used to be inferior, is now a great ornament, and is
kept in good order. Flowers will no doubt follow as they would
now be in keeping with other surrounding objects. Ornamental
shrubs are numerous and good, and there is now a favourable
opportunity afforded for their study, as the common and the
botanical names are affixed to the specimens, which cannot fail to
be appreciated by many visitors, for how often is the question
asked in our parks, what is the name of that beautiful tree or orna¬
mental shrub ? The lake is a very favourite resort for skating,
when frozen over in the winter, one of the reasons for its popularity
being that its depth is not more than 4 feet, which renders it safe.
Boats and canoes are let out on hire during the summer, and
are largely in request ; water fowl are in great numbers, and so
perfectly tame, that some of them will even allow you to take them
up in your hand ; the birds floating about give the lake a lively
appearance.
The Green Park is rather formal and devoid of picturesque views.
The great traffic of this Park demands that prominent attention be
given to providing good gravel walks. The best trees are on the
north-west sides, which impart shade to the walks and drives from
Hyde Park Corner to Buckingham Palace. On the Piccadilly side
there are rows of healthy young trees on both sides of the walk.
In a few years these trees will form fine specimens, especially the
Planes, Of all the trees which adorn the London parks, the Plane is
the most beautiful and suitable, it attains a great height, has a wide-
spreading head, a massive trunk, and smooth bark, which falls off
in large irregular patches every year, imparting a striking character
to the tree, and, moreover, its beautiful lobed leaves are free from
the attacks of destructive insects. There are plenty of flowers in
this Park, especially on the Piccadilly side, and in the summer¬
time this long row of beds is greatly appreciated by the public.
Great care is taken of the grass as well as the flowers when the dry
weather renders it needful. Large hydrants make the task of
watering easy, and the grass, which is always kept green, enhances
the beauty of the flowers. All the beds are filled with free-flowering
plants with lively colours—such beds as the London public appeal"
especially to admire.
VICTORIA PAR
VICTORIA PARK.
HE ground was purchased with the money paid by the Duke
of Sutherland to the Government for Stafford House,
£72,000. The area of the park is about 290 acres. It is
surrounded by an industrial population with but little leisure time
for pleasure, and living for the most part in crowded workrooms
and ill-ventilated dwellings. Such people know best how to
appreciate the contrast between their usual surroundings and the
beauties of Nature when a little leisure gives them an opportunity.
The pure air, green grass, trees, shrubs, and bright flowers are
nowhere more prized than at the East End. Bethnal Green,
Hackney, Bow, and Whitechapel are proud of their park, and justly
so, for they have a cricket ground (40 acres), a lake for boating
and another for bathing, and they have also a gymnasium, and last,
but not least, a magnificent display of flowers that is equal to any¬
thing seen in and about London. The designs and planting are
varied and excellent—examples of good taste, which afford delight-
to all beholders. It is gratifying to observe that the people show
by their demeanour that they know how to respect these benefits
and protect a privilege conceded to them. They look upon the
park as their own property, and the authorities do what they can
to foster a taste for floriculture. It is evident also that plants are
valued by people of the East, for thousands apply to the Park
Superintendent at certain times of the year for cuttings, &c., which
the First Commissioner of Her Majesty's Works has ordered to be
distributed among them. As a means of further rendering
assistance and instruction, plants are grown in the park and
exhibited at the local shows. Friendly hints of management are
also given, and not without effect, for the working classes exhibit
plants that would be a credit to a West End show.
2S
THE ROYAL PARKS AND CARDENS OF LONDON.
This park possesses horticultural attractions in no small degree,
and maintains the first position for flowers in spring, summer and
autumn. The spring commences with Hyacinths, Tulips, and
other spring flowers of various and delicate colours filling the
atmosphere with fragrance. Then comes the summer glow with a
diversity of colours contrasted and harmonised, producing a
picture at once pleasing and satisfying ; and after the summer
flowers have passed away come the autumn candidates for their
share of admiration. The Chrysanthemum receives great attention
in this neighbourhood, and an exhibition in the park of this flower
attracts thousands in the "dull days of November. The plants are
brought to great perfection through unwearying diligence and
care.
Although this is a young park, yet trees abound. There are
shady avenues of Limes and Elms, and on all sides handsome
specimens are towering above the shrubs, such as the Pinus excelsa
from Nepal, the Cedrus Deodara from India, the Tulip Tree from
North America, Cypress trees from California, and on the turf in a
recess is a thriving example of Salisburia adiantifolia, the Maiden¬
hair Tree. The deciduous Cypress is growing freely, also the Tree
of Heaven (Ailanthus glandulosa) and Locust Trees (Robinias)
flower profusely. The following trees are making good headway:—
The Sycamore, the Ash, Horse Chesnut, Birch, the Willow and
the Plane. The park is celebrated for an extensive collection of
trees and shrubs of smaller growth. Near the valley-walk leading
to the lake is the sweet-scented Daphne ; the Cotoneaster, covered
in spring with white blossoms, and in winter with red berries ; the
red-flowered Currant (Ribes sanguineum), one of the hardiest and
most handsome of all our deciduous flowering shrubs, is very
beautiful with its crimson-red flowers in April and May. Nearer
to the lake is a fine group of variegated Hollies and several species
of Spiraeas. On the turf is the Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus
canadensis) and the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Unedo).
A small piece of rockwork has a very picturesque effect ; it is
covered with many curious alpine plants, Sedums, Saxifrages,
Echeverias, Grasses, and other plants remarkable for the elegance
of their foliage. The ground in this part of the park is laid out in
the most irregular manner possible, so as to obtain a great number
of pleasant walks. The shrubs are mostly planted on raised banks.
A number of strong-growing plants are scattered about in front of
Victoria park.
29
them, and a few choice specimens on the grass contribute to break
and soften the outline of the shrubs.
There are also ornamental sheets of water, islands, rustic bridges,
and shady banks. On the islands the Weeping Willow dips its
branches in the water, forming an excellent cover for the Muscovy
ducks and the timid water-hens. The majestic swan and the keen-
eyed China and Barnacle geese may also be seen in company with
other aquatic birds. The varied attractions of this park are
thoroughly enjoyed by all visitors, and good management is
reflected in every department. The summer flowers are of the
choicest description, and they are arranged with much taste,
particularly the geometrical beds, which are richly planted.
Among the many attractive arrangements the scroll is always
artistically planted, and it was, perhaps, never more admired than
when planted as shown in the accompanying design.
Another feature in this Park is worthy of notice, and that is the
flower borders and the margins to the clumps of shrubs, for they are
well stocked with Hardy Herbaceous bedding plants, interspersed
with bulbs and annuals. Borders of this kind are very attractive,
and should be more general in all our public gardens. Some of
the mixed beds are neat and pretty, others bold and massive. If
flowers and foliage are tastefully combined, there is no doubt
about the effect that maybe produced in our Parks and Gardens by
this method of embellishment. The plants should not be planted
closely, but room should be afforded them to grow and exhibit
their beauty of form to the best advantage. Of ribbon borders
there are hundreds of yards to be seen in this Park, in many shades
of colour, and effectively harmonized. The beds for flowering
plants are of various forms, such as triangles, circles, ovals, &c.,
artificially disposed on open grassy glades, and relieved by single
specimens of trees and shrubs. In some parts of the Park the
beds are arranged in the groups, rendered light in character by
one or two detached beds of a smaller size. One more feature
must not be overlooked, namely, large Palms, Dracamas, Yuccas,
Agaves, and Musas, are placed here and there on the fresh green
turf, and assist very materially in relieving the formal masses of
colour of the beds.
The Park is under the able superintendence of Mr. Mclntyre,
who is well supported by his assistant, Mr. Bullen ; and their skill
and industry are fully appreciated by the inhabitants of the East
3o THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
End of London. The ornamental garden surrounding the East
London Museum, which has given such great satisfaction, is under
the same management.
Greenwich Park is also under Mr. Mclntyre's supervision.
This park is well stocked with fine old trees, and, in various parts,
beautiful flower beds may be seen in appropriate plans. It is
much resorted to by Londoners, particularly during their holidays.
BATTERSEA PARK ■
BATTERSEA PARK.
HIS noted park occupies 200 acres. It was purchased in
1851 by the Government for £11,000, and covers the
space once occupied by the inn so celebrated for shooting
matches, and known as the Red House. In form it is nearly square,
with a fine river frontage five furlongs in length ; an equestrian ride;
nearly two miles in length, encircles the park, there are also other
good carriage drives and convenient walks. The site of this park
was originally flat and low, and to produce a picturesque and
secluded appearance, mounds and hills have been raised, and
hollows formed with glades and gentle slopes. Trees and shrubs,
of which there is a fine assortment, have been planted on the
elevations, and have now answered the purpose for which they
were intended, namely, affording shade or shelter, and imparting
an ornamental appearance to the Park.
Battersea is famous for its Sub-tropical Garden, which occupies
the formost position in this style of ornamentation. There are
several acres arranged to present a natural and picturesque effect.
The whole is well shaded, and surrounded by groves of trees and
handsome evergreen and flowering shrubs. No one was better
acquainted with their natural positions than Mr. John Gibson,
who laid out this Park, for he has seen most of the trees
growing in their native country in far distant lands. The
Palms, Tree Ferns, Bananas, Aralias, Dracaenas, and other richly
coloured leaves of plants growing out of the green turf, with
hundreds of other sub-tropical rarities, brilliant in colour, graceful,
and elegant in habit or leafage, produce a charming effect. There
are abundance of flowers of the most brilliant kinds, but everywhere
relieved and set off by the green leaves of a diversified character.
32 THE RÔYAL PATHS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
There is also another class of plants extensively cultivated here
—the ornamental Grasses, which have a very decorative effect.
The ornamental waters also form highly-pleasing scenery. The
Grasses are planted in and at the edge of the water, fringing the
projecting parts with graceful drooping leaves and erect and noble
inflorescence. Arundo donax, both green and variegated, is stately
and graceful, being a vigorous and robust plant with long, broad,
and recurved leaves. The variegated variety has broad silvery-
striped leaves, as has the striped Japanese Maize (Zea japonica),
which is free-growing and very ornamental, attaining the height of
six feet. There are many others which when planted in such situa¬
tions are exceedingly attractive, such as the Erianthus ravenna and
the Pampas Grass (Gynerium argenteum). Andropogon giganteum
and Arundinaria falcata succeed well in damp situations such as on
the margins of lakes, and no tribe of plants can at all compare with
them for producing a sub-tropical effect in such positions. What a
beautiful object is a clump of the Common Canary Grass (Phalaris
canadensis) in such a situation. Also how superb in its exuberant
leafage is the Sugar Grass (Holcus saccharatus). The Glaucous
Grass (Elymus glaucifolius), a blue greenish colour, is charming
by the side of the water. There are several of our native Grasses
well adapted for water scenes which are used here with good effect.
The common reed is remarkably handsome ; its gigantic stature
and the effect of its silvery panicles of flowers render it an attractive
object, and distinctly elegant in the landscape. Grasses look well
in almost any position; in the centre of a lawn or on a knoll.
Among rustic scenes the common old-fashioned Ribbon Grass is
one of the most ornamental of plants ; Dactylis glomerata varie-
gata is unequalled for the margins of beds and to form lines of
silvery foliage in borders of plants on the ribbon principle.
Another feature in the Park is the Rockwork. This is entirely
artificial, having been manufactured on the ground, yet so ably
has the work been executed that the huge boulder-like masses,
with their many fissures and rifts, so closely resemble natural rocks
that many visitors are deceived by them. The rocks represent a
mountain side, as if it had been rent asunder by some volcanic
eruption, and the water meanders between the rugged walls into
the lake below. In the water are sedges, and on knolls in con¬
tiguity are Ferns. Amongst the boulders a few conifers are growing.
The Austrian Pine, thus elevated on the hill-side, shows in sombre
BATTERSEA PARK.
33
stateliness. There are also Cupressuses, Irish Yews, and dwarf
growing evergreens in all the beauty of native wildness. The walls
of the rocks are partially hidden by Vines, Virginian Creepers,
Clematises, Cotoneasters, Vincas, &c., and occasionally a nook or
protuberance shows some alpine plant—a Pink, an Iberis, a Sedum
—precisely at home. Yet to the artificial rocks no kind of vege¬
tation will cling, and wires are necessary for training the climbers
over their surfaces. At the base are planted trailing and creeping
plants, such as Sedums, Sempervivums, Saxifrages, Thymes, and
other herbaceous ar.d alpine plants, the whole forming one of the
most interesting sights of the season.
Not less noteworthy than the Rockwork is .the Alpine Garden.
Here peaks of miniature rocks are surmounted by the Snow plant
(Antennaria tomentosa). The effect is very good indeed, and
the best imitation that could be produced of a natural snow peak.
Other parts of this garden are garnished with vegetation to present
an example of alpine gardening, and it is a great success really
worthy of imitation. From the base to the snowy peak the ground
work is formed with close growing plants, such as the various sorts
of mossy Saxifrages, Veronicas, Sedums, Thymes, and similar
dwarf plants. Amongst these are intermingled with the best
results such plants as the Retinosporas, Junipers, Thujas, and a few
other conifers characteristic of the scenery of alpine regions. In
summer there is also a great variety of Green House succulent
plants, such as Mesembryanthemums, Aloes, Cactuses, Echeverias,
and similar fleshy-leaved plants, which form very beautiful and dis¬
tinct features.
The Fern Glades in this Park are very attractive. They are
composed of trees and shrubs growing on Ivy clad banks. The
taller shrubs arch over and mingle with the branches of the
trees, forming canopies and shady nooks. Some of those glades
represent a green lane, others are in the form of a narrow
pathway, and are skilfully curved and undulated. Shade loving
plants and such as require shelter from the winds are here appro¬
priately placed. There are Tree Ferns, varying from one foot to
eight feet in height. These are singularly distinct in appearance
and are much admired by the London public. Also the Bird's
Nest Fern from Australia, the Lady Fern, and a host of other kinds
all appear to be quite in their natural positions here. Cordylines,
Cycads, Aralias Philodendrons, and Rhopalas, are all represented ;
D
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
their stately yet graceful habits renders them especially note¬
worthy. On entering at the east gate by the rosary is a mound.
From its summit (which is a most romantic spot) may be seen
some of nature's choicest landscape scenery grouped in a small
compass. There is the forest of trees nursing the young saplings ;
the wood with its sequestered spots ; the island with its aquatic
inhabitants and birds of the air ; the lake with the swan, duck, teal,
diver, and the water hen sporting on its surface ; the projecting
rocks with the cascades ; the grove with its shady walks ; the copse
and plantations of weeping birch and every variety of shrubs, both
evergreen and deciduous ; the dell with its verdant slopes and
winding paths ; vistas opening to view in all directions some of
the most beautiful foliage of every shade of colour. Any one
viewing all these objects combined in so small a space must
pronounce the aspect charming. Those who have not seen
the display of the different styles of sub-tropical gardens at
Battersea cannot do better than visit this Park some time during
the summer or the autumn months, and they will probably confess
that of all the public gardens they have witnessed this is the most
beautiful, and the ability of the superintendent, Mr. Rogers, will be
admitted.
Kennington Park, which is each year beautified with flowers, is
also under the supervision of Mr. Rogers.
REGENT'S PARK
REGENT'S PARK.
EGENT'S Park was commenced arranging in 1810 from
plans suggested by Mr. W. Fordyce, who at the time was
surveyor of the national woods and forests.
The south side of the Regent's Park is about half a mile in length,
and parallel to the Marylebone Road, which is to the south of it.
The east side, nearly at right angles with the south side, extends
northward to Gloucester Gate, a distance of almost three-quarters
of a mile. The west side, forming an oblique angle with the south
side, extends in a direction west of north to Hanover Gate, a
distance of half a mile. The northern terminations of the east and
west sides are connected by an irregular curve nearly coinciding
with the sweep of the Regent's Canal, which passes along and within
the northern boundary of the Park. A sheet of water extends from
Hanover Gate in a south-easterly direction, parallel to the west side
of the Park, and, curving round at a south-west angle, continues in a
direction parallel to the south side to about the middle of it. Oppo¬
site the middle of the west side, an arm of this sheet of water
extends at right angles to the very centre of the Park. The bottom
of the valley, through which Tyburn rivulet flowed in days of old,
stretches frcm its termination up to Primrose Hill, which is nearly
due north of it. Nearly two-thirds of the Park, forming an oblong
parallelogram, slope down on the eastern side of the valley to the
former channel of the stream, and the north-east and south arms
of the artificial lake which is formed by its collected waters, and
which resemble, to use a simile more accurate than dignified, the
arrangement of the three legs on an Isle of Man halfpenny.
Within the horns of the crescent formed by its north east and south
arms is the Ring, the interior of which is occupied by the Garden
of the Royal Botanic Society. On the eastern slope, at the north
36
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
end of the Park, is the Garden of the Zoological Society. On the
east side of the Park, a little south of Gloucester Gate, are the
enclosed villa and grounds of the late Sir Henry Taylor; on the
west side, a little north of Hanover Gate, those of the Marquis of
Hertford.
Regent's Park is thought by some people to rank as the first of
our metropolitan parks. It is at any rate the largest, covering as it
does about 470 acres, and the centre is to a great extent an open
green plain, free almost from trees. It is set apart for pedestrians
only. Vehicles are kept on the outskirts, where there is as good a
road as the lovers of equestrianism can desire. The centre of the
Park is often used for military display, policemen's drill, and a
cricket ground for the people. It has a most beautiful surround¬
ing of trees and clumps of shrubs ; there are also some fine
pieces of ornamental water, with islands planted with evergreen
shrubs, and the banks with weeping trees, forming excellent cover
for the waterfowl to retire into. The margin of this Park is very
much diversified—wood and dale, and at intervals noble mansions
and picturesque villas are scattered about half hidden by trees and
shrubs.
On the north side the Zoological Garden, with its lofty trees and
picturesque buildings, has a very pleasing effect, and further back
Primrose Hill. On the south are the Botanical Gardens ; and on
the west are rustic bridges, ornamental waters, and stately trees.
On the east side the flower garden is ver)' tastefully laid out, show¬
ing both the English and the Italian style. The English consists
in an imitation of nature. This has been accomplished, for here
we have an undulated surface, serpentine walks, and different-shaped
clumps, containing selections of the finest kinds of flowering and
evergreen trees, of which some of the more striking are also planted
on the grass, and have now attained considerable size. The flower
beds are simple in form, judiciously placed, and effectively planted.
The Italian garden is divided into two parts by an avenue of
Horse Chestnuts, which is said to be the finest in or near Lon¬
don, Bushey Park included. The trees are not so large nor
so lofty as the trees which form the avenues at Hampton
Court, but certainly they are of better form. The trunks are
straight and clean, and the heads are very symmetrical. It is
hardly possible to imagine any object more gorgeous than this
avenue when the trees are studded with millions of pink and silver
REGENTS PARK.
37
flowers. In the Italian garden the decorations are brought skil¬
fully into harmony with the natural beauty of the flowers.
Handsome vases are judiciously placed and filled with suitable
plants, and form striking objects. There are also many fine Yuccas
planted singly in lines also in masses. When these plants are in
in flower their great panicles of pearly-white bell-shaped blossoms
contrast with such plants as the Pampas Grass, Palms, Conifers,
and variegated Hollies. The Yuccas are permanent in character,
being ornamental in winter as well as in summer, and also another
great advantage which they possess is the vigorous growth they make
in town gardens, where many other plants fail. The same may be
said of the Rhododendrons, for the London smoke seemingly has no
injurious effect upon them. They are as handsome here as they
would be in the country, for when properly treated at the roots the
smoky atmosphere does them no harm. Standard Rhododendrons
and other round-headed plants are in keeping in an Italian garden,
and have a good effect when planted on the turf as they are here.
The flower beds are edged with Box, the small walks gravelled,
and the outside border next to the grass has an edging of Anston's
stone, which gives to the whole a neat compact appearance, then
comes a broad strip of turf. On this single specimens of choice
shrubs and other plants are grown, all guarded with a neat wire
fence. Upright Lombardy Poplars are planted at regular distances
on each side of the straight walk. The hedges are neatly clipped
the grass closely shorn, the gravel walks smooth and clean, and the
flowers of low-growing kinds. This ornamental portion of the Park
was laid out in 1863 by Mr. M. Nesfield, under the direction of
Mr. Cowper, the then Chief Commissioner of Her Majesty's Board
of Works. This beautiful flower garden has given much satisfac¬
tion to the surrounding inhabitants and to the thousands of visitors
who daily throng the Park during the summer months.
Regent's Park might rest its floral reputation on well-known and
familiar favourites. Geraniums of all kinds and colours are here
found in profusion, and other well-known plants glowing with
colour ; there are also all kinds of plants with fine foliage grouped
in the happiest manner and with as much intricacy and variety as
they can give to this spot without destroying its character ; sub¬
tropical looking plants which are now so much admired for their
noble and handsome leaves, such as Caladiums, Cannas, Castor oil
plants, Dracaenas, Ferdinandias, Cordylines, Ficus elastica, Maize,
38
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Palms, &c., forming bold and massive clumps. Another system of
embellishment has been adopted of mixing flowering and fine
foliaged plants, and the effect produced in gardens by this
method when carried out well is very satisfactory, the mixture of the
ordinary bedding plants, such as Verbenas, Petunias, Calceolarias,
Geraniums, &c., with the dwarf ornamental foliage plants, forming
neat but elegant combinations. All the plants are well grown and
skilfully displayed, and every part of the park is in high keeping.
Mr. Iverson has charge of this flower garden, under the able
superintendence of Mr. Brown, who has been appointed to succeed
Mr. Edwards, who retires after having spent half of a long and
honourable life in the London parks. In recognition of his abilities
and general urbanity he has been presented with a testimonial of
the value of nearly 100 guineas by the officers and men employed
in the Park.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE-SOUTH TERRACE WALK
HAMPTON COURT PALACE and GARDENS.
HIS royal palace is delightfully situated on the north
bank of the river Thames, fourteen miles from Lon¬
don. It is embellished by nature as well as art, and is
historically associated with the lives of illustrious men. It was
built by Cardinal Wolsey, who richly stored it with gold and silver
plate, and is said to have provided here two hundred and eighty
silk beds for strangers only. It caused so much envy that he gave
it to King Henry VIII., who in return allowed him to live in his
palace at Richmond. This king greatly enlarged Hampton Court.
Queen Elizabeth adorned it with pictures and other ornaments, but
King Charles I. is mentioned as having given his personal attention
to the garden. The semicircular garden spreading from the ter¬
race of the east front was planned by him. We are informed that
Charles II. superintended the royal garden if any alterations were
going on, for he was fond of outdoor exercise ; and it was here that
he observed to some who were reviling our climate, and extolling
that of Italy, Spain, and France, that he thought that was the best
climate where we can be abroad in the air with pleasure the most
days of the year and the most hours of the day, and this he thought
could be in England more than in any other country.
King William III. and Queen Mary made great improvements,
both in the palace and the grounds. The old apartments were
pulled down and rebuilt, and the private garden on the south
side of the palace was sunk 10 feet to open a view from the
apartments to the river. It was surrounded with a tall hedge
to shelter from the wind such exotic plants as were moved
hither from the conservatories. There are two basins constantly
supplied with water for the requirements of the plants in dry weather.
The flowers were seen from the windows of the royal apartments,
and in this part of the garden the Queen took great delight,
40 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
and was so fond of tender exotic plants that she allowed a
handsome salary to Dr. Plukenet for assisting to arrange and
regulate her collection of them, also to register all that were
received. This part of the garden is tastefully laid out, and is the
work of those two eminent gardeners, Loudon and Wise.
On the north side of the Palace is the wilderness garden. In
the olden times it was the custom for a portion of the pleasure
grounds to be in as natural a state as possible, making a strong
contrast with the exact symmetry which otherwise prevailed. In
the Dutch geometrical garden, where every tree was planted with
exactness, evergreens were indispensable. The Box, Holly, and
the Yew, with two or three others, made up the furniture of the
garden; the scissors and the shears were the principal garden
tools; clipping and pinching were scrupulously carried out ; cones
and pyramids, forms of beasts and birds, and rude copies of works
of art were made; and of these, topiary works as they were called,
the remains may now be seen, but most of the trees have grown
into their natural shape.
Of this garden, which was considered one of the finest in
England, Horace Walpole recorded his great admiration; those
fanciful figures appeared to him interesting and beautiful from the
variety of objects exhibited, and were pleasing to the eyes of
Addison and others. They admired the neatness and the work¬
manship, and would not have a single specimen destroyed.
The taste for natural scenery has much improved of late years,
and the specimens of ancient gardening are now esteemed as
remains of antiquity. The most distinguished are those grand
avenues of Hampton Court and Windsor Castle. They are noble
examples worthy to be imitated, for there is something grand and
venerable about long green avenues and broad carriage drives. No
trouble or expense has been spared to adorn the garden with the
choicest flowers, and for the lovers of trees there is no place more
interesting. Trees that were beautiful two hundred years ago are
picturesque now, and such trees are the most esteemed ornaments
in our modern pleasure grounds. There are some very venerable
specimens. The Limes have attained a large size, many of them
being 12 feet in circumference and 100 feet high. The Elms are
conspicuous for size and beauty, measuring 2 5 feet in girth. The
Oaks are gigantic in size, one measuring over 40 feet in girth near
the ground. It divides into three large limbs of nearly equal size.
HAMPTON COURT.
41
The Horse Chestnut trees are favourites with the Londoners, and
their splendid foliage and fine spikes of flowers entitle them to be
considered as amongst the most ornamental of trees ; they are a
beautiful addition to the appearance of Hampton Court, and
give an impression of solitude and produce refreshing shade.
These trees are noble elements of natural beauty. The chief glory
of England—in a picturesque point of view—lies in her woody parks,
but when, as here, trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers are artistically
combined an effect is produced of true English scenery. The dis¬
play of flowers is very extensive, all the plants being well-grown
and artistically planted, and the result is a brilliant effect. The
artificial decorations, fountains, statues, and vases are in harmony
and pleasing contrast with the natural ornaments.
The gardens are well managed, and last year the flower garden
was admitted to be equal to those in the London parks. The
" Great Vine " is increasingly popular. It is in what is known as
the " private garden," and it is annually visited by thousands of
sight-seers, to whom the two to three thousand bunches of grapes
are something to be wondered at, and, perhaps, coveted during the
sultry days of summer. It is recorded that this Vine was planted
in the year 1769. It was raised from a cutting taken from a large
plant at Valentine House, in Essex ; and the " Hampton Court.
Black Hamburg Vine" has now many offsprings in this and.
other countries. The parent, for the last ico years, has been an
interesting object to grape growers and the general public who
visit these Gardens. It is gratifying to know that the fame of the
Vine has not been overrated ; it is still luxuriant and commands
a large share of public interest. The Vine has grown to ex¬
traordinary dimensions, extending its branches upwards of 200
feet in length, bearing bunches in almost incredible numbers.
The cause of the extreme vigour of this celebrated Grape
Vine has been attributed to the roots having found their
way to some drain, but I have no doubt they are in the banks
of the river Thames, which, being highly impregnated with
nitrous salts, give them that inexhaustable supply of nourish¬
ment which causes the Vine to throw out such abundant crops of
fruit every year ; and were the House as large again as it is,
it would be speedily filled and the vine would then yield twice the
quantity of grapes. In 1822, Henry Phillips, in his "Pomarium
Britannicum," stated that this Vine had a stem 13 inches in girth,
42 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
and the branches 114 feet in length, which in one year produced
2,200 bunches of grapes, each bunch, on an average, a pound in
weight. His late Majesty, King George III., enjoyed the fruit of
this Vine for half-a-century. William Cobbett, 50 years ago, gave
a description of this Vine in one of his books on English gardening,
where he says that " it is a well-known fact that there is a grape¬
vine, a single vine, with only one stem, in the King's Garden at
his palace of Hampton Court, which has for perhaps half-a-century
produced annually nearly a ton of grapes, that is to say, 2,240 lbs."
In winter this Vinery is used for the protection of a choice col¬
lection of Orange trees in tubs, and various other large plants
which require protection, such as the Agave americana variegata,
Dracaena australis, Agapanthus umbellatus ; and we noticed a good
plant of the Turpentine tree (Pistacia Terebinthus). In the summer
these plants are placed on the South Front Terrace Walk, as shewn
in our illustration. Many of these plants are the remains of Queen
Mary's collection, before alluded to. The flower beds are planted
in various ways, but showy colours predominate. A greater latitude
for brilliant colouring can be allowed here than in many other places
without any danger of its becoming gaudy or overpowering, as the
whole of the beds and borders are backed up with noble trees and
grand masses of shrubs which effectually relieve and tone down the
most bright and showy colours. The mixed system carried out in
some of the beds has been noted for simplicity and good taste ;
for instance, a bed of Mrs. Pollock Geranium and Blue Lobelia
mixed. This is a bed that will satisfy the eye and produce harmony
of colour. The red flowers are supported by a due proportion of the
yellow leaves ; the Blue Lobelia is harmonized by the presence of
the other two colours ; and the green is a complement to the red.
There has been many good examples of mixtures from time to time
in those gardens quite original and suitable to afford suggestions to
all who are concerned in garden colouring. The designs and the
modes of plantinghas been for the last five years models of perfection.
There is a consistency and harmony in all which cannot fail to
please those who can appreciate a tastefully laid out flower garden.
Here are many points of attraction ; but the principal features are
the carpet and tapestry flower beds, designs of which are submitted,
and modes of planting.
The gardens at Hampton Court are under the superintendance
of Mr. Graham, whose attainments are a guarantee that every de¬
partment will receive the best attention.
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1. Coleus Ruckeri.
2. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
3. Golden Pyrethrum.
4. Alternanthera amabilis.
5. Echeveria metallica glanca.
6. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium varie-
gatum.
7. Sedum glaucum.
8. Alternanthera paronychyoides.
9. Cerastium Beibersteini.
1. Agave americana variegata.
2. Echeveria metallica.
3. Alternanthera amabilis.
4. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
5. Cotyledon bracteata.
6. Echeveria metallica glauca.
7. Cotyledon pulverulenta.
8. Sempervivum califomicum.
9. Echeveria secunda glauca, mixed with
Sedum glaucum.
to. Echeveria secunda glauca.
£
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1. Cerastium Beibersteini. i 3. Alternanthera amabilis. I 5. Echeveria metallica.
2. Golden Pyrethrum. | 4. Echeveria metallica glauca. | 6. Echeveria secunda glauca.
1. Àlternanthera amabilis.
2. Golden Pyrethrum.
3. Agave americana variegata.
4. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
5, Echeveria metallica.
6. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium
variegatum.
7. Echeveria pumila.
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KEW GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.
HESE are more than two hundred acres in extent. The
surface is flat, but judicious planting, bold clumps of
shrubs, and easy winding walks have added some of the
best features. The terrace, the long vista walks and avenues, the
waterworks, and architectural elevations are combined very satis¬
factorily, and will be more effective as the growth of the planting
will mark the features more prominently. A progressive series of
improvements is annually taking place, rendering every portion of
the surface of the grounds interesting and useful. Numerous
species of hardy trees, shrubs, and flowers are exhibited in various
parts of the grounds. The extensive glass structures are filled with
the choicest productions of the vegetable kingdom. One of the
most prominent houses is the great Temperate house. It is a noble
structure, covering about one and two-thirds of an acre, and is 60
feet high. Three miles and three quarters of hot-water piping are
required to keep the temperature about 40° in winter. The plants
are planted out in the borders.
The Palm house is another conspicuous object. It is a very
handsome building, 362 feet in length and 100 in width. Round
the centre portion is a gallery, which is reached by winding stair¬
cases, and from this gallery the plants can be seen to the best
advantage. The variety of forms is presented in a pleasing manner,
showing the outline of each individual plant separately. There
are museums and herbariums for dried specimens of plants, which
afford also means of instruction and enjoyment available to all.
Kew Gardens may be regarded as the botanical centre of the
world, and are valuable for the assistance furnished by them to
horticulture, botany, medicine, manufacturing art, and design. To
48 TI-IE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
the horticultural pupil this garden will be found an important field
for the study and culture of plants, and facilities are presented of
an inviting description towards the attainment of useful and
practical information. The name, order, economic use, and native
country of each plant, and date of its introduction is stated, and
professional instruction is imparted, for lectures are delivered in the
gardens.
Kew Gardens were originally the grounds surrounding the country-
house of Dr. Molyneux, a distinguished man of science in the reign
of George II. At his death the property passed into the hands of
Frederick Prince of Wales, and eventually to his widow, the
Dowager Princess. In the reign of their son, George III.,
numerous improvements were made. Two conservatories were
built, and the gardens received many valuable acquisitions from
the voyages and researches of Captain Cooke, Sir Joseph Banks,
Flinders, Masson, and others. In 1789 a catalogue was published
by Joseph Aiton under the title of " Hortus Kewensis," giving a
description of 5,600 species of plants, all of them exotic. The
■grounds remained the property of the Sovereign until 1840, when
they were passed over to the department of the Woods and Forests
on the behalf of the nation. The sum devoted to the maintenance
and improvement of the establishment amounts to about £20,000
per annum.
Kew Gardens present great advantages all the year round, for
here are gathered together plants from all corners of the globe—
every country has been ransacked for these vegetable treasures. In
the Palm house is the Date Palm of Africa, the plumed Cocoanut
Palm of Ceylon, the Fan Palm (Latania borbonica), its broad
leaves and noble appearance giving it a distinct character. Next
in point of interest is the Sago Palm (Sagus farinifera), remark¬
able for yielding the substance called by that name. Another Palm
of great beauty is the Cabbage Tree of the West Indies (Areca
oleracea) ; and Areca Catechu is a Palm of the same genus, and
produces the intoxicating Betel Nut. There are also fine examples
of the Wine Palm (Caryota urens), Seaforthia elegans, and the
Sugar Palm (Arenga saccharifera). Palms are well represented at
Kew ; most of them are unique specimens.
In a walk through this house, besides the interesting tribe of
plants I have alluded to, there are numerous other species.
Amongst them may be noticed the magnificent and gigantic
KEW GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS. 49
Musas or Plantains, the leaves being 10 feet in length and 3 feet in
breadth. The stems of these majestic inhabitants of the jungle we are
informed afford a delicious feast to the elephant and the rhinoceros.
Next in point of interest are the Cycads, which from their great
external resemblance to Palms are apt to be confounded with them.
The manner in which the leaves are evolved is highly curious and
extremely beautiful, similar to that in which the fronds of the Fern
tribe are developed. The attractive leaves of the Dracaenas and
the ornamental foliage of the Aralias are scattered about in
various parts, forming pleasing features in the scene. Around
the pillars and upon the rafters various climbing plants are
entwining. Of Ferns there is an immense stock. The col¬
lection comprises every desirable kind from all parts of the
world. Several large houses are devoted to their culture, and great
attention is bestowed on them. Those from the tropics are pecu¬
liarly grand and imposing. Several of the species attain the size and
appearance of some Palm trees, with fronds most elegant. They
are for the most part easily cultivated. It is surprising that this
extensive and elegant class of plants should have been so long
neglected, for who can watch even our common British Ferns—
those humble denizens of the earth—bursting from the ground in
spring, without experiencing emotions of pleasure ?
The Succulent house is a capacious span-roofed building zoo
feet in length by 30 feet in width. It contains a very fine collec¬
tion of plants, and it would be difficult to find anywhere specimens
more remarkable and grotesque. One of the most curious
plants in the house is the Old Man Cactus (Pilocerus senilis).
This odd plant is covered with long, whitish, hair-like appendages
separating on the top like the combed locks of some veteran.
Another object, very quaint-looking, is the Opuntia vulgaris or
Prickly Pear; its Fig-like fruit is eatable. There are several
varieties of this plant. Opuntia cochinilifera, the plant on which
that valuable insect principally feeds upon, is represented. Another
prominent object is the Torch Thistle (Cereus Jamacaru), native
of Tropical America. The Euphorbias are strange-looking plants ;
they are natives of Africa, India, and Tropical America principally
but different members of the genus are found in various parts of the
world, and are generally known by the name of " Deadly Milk Plant."
The Cactuses are very numerous, some of them of a gigantic size
and fierce aspect. The exquisite beauty and perfume of the
E
5°
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
flowers of very many of the species are also so striking that no
collection can be considered complete without them. The most
notable is the night blowing Cactus (Cereus grandiflorus). This
plant usually flowers once a year, about the month of August,
producing usually a succession of flowers for several nights The
flowers begin expanding about seven o'clock in the evening, and
are fully blown by about midnight. As the light of the morning
approaches they gradually close and open no more. The plant
itself is perhaps one of the most unsightly that can be looked upon.
The flower buds are not less so, even up to the hour of expan¬
sion—then, as if to make up for their want of beauty, the flowers
come forth in the short space mentioned, displaying surpassing
loveliness and dispensing great fragrance. Do not such exceptions
stand out as it were from the general order of nature as if to baffle
the reasoning and the wisdom of man ? On examination it will
be found that there are plants that the morning rays of light on the
one hand are necessary for the expansion of the flowers, and on
the other the light of evening is requisite. For instance, towards
the dusk of the evening we have the delightfully scented Evening
Primrose expanding its lovely blossoms. In the morning there is
the common Dandelion peeping from its sunny bank, waiting for
the first rays of the orb of day, and many others unfold their varied
beauties as each receives its due share of light. The night blowing
Cereus will thus appear to be like the connecting link between the
flowers of the evening and the flowers of the morning. The
Turk's Cap or Melon Thistle (Cactus Melocactus) of the West
Indies, is also an object among the curiosities in this collection.
Of the genus Aloe the collection contains many large and striking
plants; some of the species are well known for their medicinal
qualities, such as the Aloe socotrina. The Aloe barbadensis, A.
vulgaris, and A. spicata, are principally cultivated in the West Indian
Islands for the purpose of producing the Aloes of commece.
Before leaving this house I will remark, that besides the interest¬
ing plants I have thus briefly alluded to, there are hundreds of
others which strike the visitor's attention, such as the noble
Dasylirions, the Beaucarneas with their drooping leaves from 6 to
8 feet long, Crassulas, Cotyledons, Kleinias, and Mesembryanthe-
mums.
Propagating houses.—It must be supposed that to keep such
an enormous stock of plants propagating must be carried on to a
KEW GARDENS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS. 51
great extent. This department is a private one, but I was granted
the privilege of an inspection, and my surprise was great. Here
are handglasses, bell glasses, glass cases, and glass frames, of all
sizes and of all shapes, their inmates being watched with the
greatest care. The wind must not blow on them, the sun must
not shine on them, nor the water drip on them ; but ere long they
will become lusty like the rest, and after a season of nursing they
will show forth all their beauty.
The Orchid houses are of great extent. Several hundred species
of these plants are in successful cultivation. This numerous tribe
certainly surpasses any others with which we are acquainted,
whether their delicacy of tint, curious form, or intricacy of struc¬
ture is regarded. It is impossible to view a collection of these
plants when in flower without astonishment at the wonderful
resemblance to some work either of animal nature or of art, there
being scarcely one of them that may not be compared to some
kind of insect ; for instance, Oncidium papilio, the flower of which
plant resembles a butterfly, and produced on a thin gossamer-like
stalk which waves about in the air that one can hardly fancy it other¬
wise than a living creature. Then there is the Pitcher-plant from New
Holland (Cephalotus follicularis), looking like some production of
fanciful art ; and there are other similar vegetable curiosities, some
flowers resembling the bee, the fly, the spider, and others are shaped
like hoods, helmets, and slippers. Many of this highly interesting
tribe of plants are here growing in almost every possible situation
—on blocks of wood, naked stones, on the stems of Tree Ferns,
and in other situations in which there is little if any soil to support
vegetable life. They seem to derive their chief nourishment from
the air. Happily, too, there is not a month in the year that some
one or other is not in blossom, though the spring sun induces the
flowering in a very marked degree.
The Exhibition house is another large building containing a
miscellaneous collection varying according to the season of the
year, plants being removed and replaced by others as the flowering
season passes. In this house a high order of floral beauty is sustained
during both winter and summer. In the spring bulbs, such as
Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissuses, Cyclamens and others are largely
cultivated. These are replaced by other plants as the season ad¬
vances, and the house is thus rendered attractive " all the year-
round."
52 7HE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Public gardens have become indispensable to large cities and
towns, and when properly kept, as Kew is, are not only delightful
mediums for instruction in botanical science, but among the
greatest of advantages that can be bestowed on a people, abounding
as they do in objects of interest that generally make lasting impres¬
sions on the mind. Happily there are but few who, however little
acquainted with botany, are not more or less filled with admiration
at the endless variety of forms presented by a considerable assem¬
blage of the members of the vegetable kingdom—their grotesque
trunks and tapering stems ; their leaves, so varied in shape and
beautiful in structure ; their flowers, so curious in parts, so diversi¬
fied in colour, and often so exquisitively fragrant : also by their
wonderful adaptation to the use and gratification of man, they are
ever interesting and attractive.
It is very pleasant to see how Londoners show their appreciation
of the gardens at Kew, dispersing themselves in all directions, some
rambling by the riverside under the shade of noble trees, and on
secluded paths, stopping here and there at points of view bearing
upon objects either natural or artificial. Those walks carry the
visitors to all the points of attraction, passing Roses, flowering
shrubs of great beauty, rock plants, and herbaceous plants, judi¬
ciously grouped. In summer the flower beds on each side of the
principal walk and in front of the Palm house are the greatest
attraction, and to them the gardens owe much of their beauty.
The position of the beds is all that could be desired, and the plants
are artistically disposed in different figures corresponding to one
another, producing the most striking and ornamental effect. The
brilliant colours of the flowers are relieved by the more sober tone
of the fine-foliaged plants which are advantageously introduced. A
beautiful example of this is to be seen in the accompanying design.
Sir Joseph Hooker is the talented director, and Mr. J. Smith the
able curator.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
LTHOUGH this favourite place of public resort does not
come under the same category as the Royal Parks and
Gardens, still it would not be fair to pass it without briefly
noticing it, as it as been a leading Horticultural Establishment
from the first of its being opened, and has done much to ad¬
vance the decorative art, particularly the landscape branch of
that art, and also Flower Garden embellishment.
The history of the Palace is well known to all. The vast struc¬
ture and its surroundings constitute an appropriate monument to
the late Sir Joseph Paxton, who devoted his highest energies to the
art of horticulture, and without the aid of his creative genius, this
popular recreation ground would not have existed. He was born
at Miltonbryant, Bedfordshire, the 3rd of August, 1803. The
Palace was opèned by Her Majesty the Queen, on the xoth of
June, 1854; and upwards of fifty millions of people have since
visited it.
The plants inside the Palace, and in the garden, and also the
flower-beds, have been the principal attractions. Enjoyment is
provided at all seasons, in spring, summer, autumn, and winter ;
but the million find the most to admire in the months of June, July,
August and September ; for then the flowers are in their summer
glow and the landscape has on its soft and refreshing robes. The
trees and shrubs planted and grouped in the fore-ground, have been
improving every year, and now produce the effect intended—for the
whole distinctly show the masterly hand of the designer. The
stately Terrace walks are appropriate accompaniments for the
magnificent architectural decorations of the Palace. The pros¬
pect from the Terrace or the building is varied and extensive ; it
affords a rich and diversified combination, exhibiting all that is
beautiful in artistic and natural scenery.
The flower beds are especially admired during the summer, for
54 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
they are filled with the choicest of flowers arranged in the best
manner. The carpet beds during the last two seasons have been ex¬
cellent ; this system has much to recommend it, especially as it is
so useful during the later part of the summer and autumn, after the
Pelargoniums and Caleolarias have ceased flowering. The accom¬
panying figures show the manner in which the planting was recently
done. As will be seen, the colours were brightly contrasted with each
other, and these beds, which we had an opportunity of seeing on
several occasions, were very effective. There was a great number
of beds equally as well arranged as those represented, and would
serve as examples for intending planters.
The Rose, the queen of flowers, is extensively grown here. The
Rosery is a great feature producing a fine effect ; the collection
comprises the best and most useful varieties. Pillar or climbing
Roses grow most luxuriantly, covering trellises of great height and
extent, forming perfumed bowers of the most exquisite beauty.
The interior of the Palace is particularly pleasing, showing the
effect which may be produced by the tasteful grouping of Palms,
Cycads, Yuccas, Ficuses, Bananas, Araucarias, together with a rich
and various collection of Crotons, Dracaenas and Caladiums, many
of which are of great rarity, and others are noble specimens of
permanent foliage plants. Tree Ferns greatly contribute to the
embellishment. Most people love Ferns, for they have such a
charming delicate appearance. These fine foliage plants from
warm climates are judiciously arranged in the borders, and form a
pleasing back-ground for any choice flowering plants which may
be from time to time introduced, and which are again fringed with
an edging of the moss-like plant Selaginella denticulata.
The artificial water inside the Palace, is rendered very attractive
in summer, by a charming collection of aquatic plants, the Water
Lilies producing the greatest effect. The Victoria Lily (Victoria
regia), has broad and singular formed leaves floating upon the
surface, the leaves measuring sometimes as much as seven feet in
diameter; the diffierent varieties of Nymphoea, and other tropical
aquatic plants, intermixed with a few hardier kinds of an in¬
teresting character, such as Nymphoea abla, Nuphar lutea the
beautiful water violet, Hottonia palustris, with its fine pectinate
comb-like leaves and its spikes of delicate white flowers emerging
from the surface. Aponogeton distachyon, is one of the most
beautiful of our water plants, it is hardy although seldom met
THE CRYSTAL PALACE.
55
with out of doors, the Stratiotes aloides or water soldier is
another water plant of interest ; its appearance under water very
much resembles a young pine apple plant.
The above are a few of the most conspicuous plants which are
growing in the waters. All are beautiful, either in their flowers
or foliage as they are remarkable for the singular manner in which
they are constructed, for they are provided with a floating appa¬
ratus to sustain them above the surface of the water. The leaves
and stalks of some of those plants contain a quantity of air, and
without those air vessels they would sink to the bottom and perish ;
but to prevent this occurrence we always find some curious and
beautiful contrivance, such as the distention of the leafstalk, which
causes it to be buoyant, and in some the midribs of the large leaves
are full of air chambers so as to render sinking .impossible.
Climbing plants are extensively grown in 'the interior of the
Palace, and when we consider the merits of this class of plants and
the pleasing effects that can be produced by a-choice collection of
them, it is not surprising that they should form such prominent
features. They are particularly appropriate to be allied with this
noble building, giving a degree of finish and gracefulness which no
other plants could impart. They are suitable for many purposes
of decoration, because they are so varied either from their flowers,
their foliage, or from their loose and flexible manner of growth.
We find them here covering rock-work and root-work in various
parts of the building, showing to great advantage not only the
plants surrounding, but the parts they are intended to adorn. The
Hanging Baskets are naturally planted with climbing and creeping
plants, and the effect is very satisfactory. Every column that
supports the roof is also festooned with the luxuriance of which
climbing plants are capable of imparting.
The quickest growing climbing plant is Cobcea scandens, and
its variety variegata. These will frequently run forty feet in a
season. These are grand plants where sufficient room is afforded
them to develop their true character. They are indispensable for
high roofs and fancy domes, for they make elegant festoons in a
very short time.
Passifloras (passion flowers) are also fast growing climbing
plants. They are very beautiful, and the space they are desired to
cover is covered quickly. The foliage is large and the flowers are
most beautiful.
56 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
The Tacsonias are unsurpassable for usefulness and beauty.
They much resemble the passion flowers, and will thrive under the
same conditions.
Lapagaria rosea is one of the most lovely of climbing plants
when planted where it has room to grow. When well grown few
can excel it.
The Fuchsia is not a climber, but no plants can exceed the
beauty of the strong grown kinds when trained on pillars from
fifteen to twenty feet high, and furnished with flowers from the
bottom to the top, as we see them at " The Palace." There are
many others of equal beauty, I have only selected these as the
most suitable for lofty buildings. The finest screen plant in the
Palace is Rusus androgynus.
1. Echeveria secunda glauca.
2. Alternanthera spectabile.
3. Cerastium tomentosum.
4. Golden Pyrethrum.
5. Alternanthera paronychyoides.
1. Golden Pyrethrum.
2. Althernanthera amœna.
3. Lobelia Blue King. 4. Tagetes pumila.
5. Alternanthera magnifica.
6. Coleus Verschaffelti, improved.
58
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
The floral decorations of the Palace and grounds are under the
skilled superintendence of Mr. Thomson, who has proved himself
fully equal to his important charge, for the floral fame of the
Palace was never so great as it is at the present time.
EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT OF SPRING
FLOWERS.
HE CROCUS.—A great variety of colours are found in this
charming family—yellow, purple, white, blue, lilac, and
other shades, either plain or with blotches and stripes. They
produce an excellent effect either when planted separate or blended
together. I once saw a mixed bed of Crocuses thinly planted and
growing through a carpet of the green Spergula pilifera, which
set off the flowers to the best advantage,' and this bed had a dif¬
ferent effect every day, for one day yellow would predominate,
another day blue, and another day white, &c. The principal value
of this bulb, however, consists in its suitability for planting near
the margins of flower beds so as not to require removing.
The Narcissus family is numerous, and how charming is the
gay Daffodil, the sweet single kinds—the white, red, pheasant-
eyed Narcissus, and many others which merit a place in every
garden. A bed of Narcissus with a band or ring of an early
scarlet Tulip is very pleasing both near and at a distance.
The Saxifrages are a most desirable class of plants, which
combine easy culture and profuseness of blossom. They make
cheerful beds by themselves, for there are various shades of
colour. I once saw a bed of Saxifraga crassifolia, reddish pink,
and the yellow Primrose blooming together, and it was a pleasing
combination. Double Primroses make a beautiful bed, for we
have yellow, white, lilac, and crimson. A bed of Alyssum saxa-
tile, yellow, edged with Gentiana acaulis, rich blue, has a fine
effect. Beds of white Alyssum edged with pale blue Pansies are
good. Pansies in mixture with an edging of Aubrietia purpurea
are also attractive.
The Hepatica is in its glory in April. The effect produced
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
with the red, white, and blue is quite delightful. I am surprised
they are so rarely to be met with.
The Scillas.—These lovely dwarf flowers are especially pretty.
Their star-like forms with golden anthers have a good effect,
and the white variety of the same habit looks well in rows,
patches, or in small beds. A bed of white Saxifraga granulata
associated with pink-coloured Squills is distinct and pretty. For¬
get-me-nots, an edging of Golden Feather, and mixed Polyanthuses
with an edging of double white and red Daisies, are also effective.
Crown Imperials are a noble tribe of plants, consisting of
single and double kinds. The colours are red, orange, and
yellow, also striped. The surface of the bed containing them
should be covered with the Dog's-tooth Violet, both foliage and
flowers of which are distinct and pretty.
Anemones.—Those are highly ornamental, and are admirably
adapted for producing a display during the early spring. The
single-flowered varieties are crimson, scarlet, white, blue, purple,
rose, blush, and are also variously striped. The foliage is
elegantly divided. They yield a long continuation of bloom, and
when grown in masses nothing can be prettier. They are easily
cultivated and cheap.
A bed of mixed alpine Phloxes with an edging of Nemophila
insignis makes an elegant picture. This class of Phlox is dwarf,
neat, and uniform in habit, with pleasing shades of colour. An
effective bed may be made by planting Dielytra spectabilis and
Saponaria calabrica together, with an edging of Golden Thyme.
Another and equally effective bed is composed of scarlet and white
Intermediate Stocks, with a band of yellow Violas. A bed of purple
Silene pendula edged with Iberis (Candytuft) is always admired.
A bed of Wallflowers is Worthy of a place in every garden, for
this is a sweet old flower, and there now some distinct colours
both double, semi-double, and single. Seeds of Wallflowers
should be sown in April; Stocks, Alyssums, and Forget-me-nots
in July; and Saponaria, Silene, and Nemophila in September.
When sowing it is a good pood plan, if only a small number
of plants are required, to sow in boxes and and protect in a cold
frame during the winter. The plants may be lifted with a trowel,
with the rough soil adhering to the roots, and they will scarcely
suffer from the removal when transferred to beds or borders in
the spring. Primroses, Polyanthuses, and Pansies may be raised
EFFECTIVE ARRANGEMENT OF SPRING, FLOWERS. 6r
by sowing seed in May ; prick out the plants when large enough
to handle, and they make strong plants, and most of them show
their colours by the autumn.
This list might be extended, but I have only mentioned those plants
that I know will flourish in and near large towns. With spring
flowers which can be provided with little trouble and expense,,
there need be no bare beds.
In a great number of hardy plants the young foliage is very
beautiful in spring and full of interest, giving to the borders an
ornamental appearance as effective as the flowers. The Pœonias-
burst from the ground in April with many shades of richly
coloured brown shoots, and no plant can compare with this for rich
and gorgeous effect in its season of blooming during the months
of May and June. The colours vary from pure white, blush,
deepening to the most intense and brilliant crimson. A number
of the varieties are agreeably fragrant. They are plants which
demand to be permanently established. They are admirably
adapted for decoration in a miscellaneous flower border.
Pulmonaria officinalis or Lungwort, with leaves of mottled
green and flowers changing from pink to blue, is not to be despised in
a spring garden, and assists to furnish the skirts of a shrubbery.
Armeria vulgaris or Thrift, has grasslike tufts of leaves, which
are followed by numerous heads of pretty pink flowers. The English
name of Thrift is derived from the thriftiness of the plant in towns-
and confined situations, though its native home is on the grassy
tops of cliffs. This plant is largely employed for edgings, for
which it is well adapted. The habit and tint of colour has varied
greatly from cultivation. There is a variety with large and deep'
crimson flowers, which is much more ornamental than the common
sort, and makes a good border plant.
The Funkia, with its tufts of leaves variously marked or
variegated, affords pleasing relief to bright coloured flowers,
adds to the attractions of a garden in spring.
Ajuga reptans (Creeping Bugle). This is a common British
plant, but the variegated and darked leaved forms are very
beautiful in any select border of plants. It is highly useful, and
largely used in many places as an edging to summer flower beds.
Centaurea babylonica, a tall perennial. It forms itself into
a clump of silver leaves very conspicuous, which is its chief
value.
62 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Cineraria martima, a half shrubby silvery plant.
There are a host of other ornamental foliage plants that could
be used for spring decoration, such as the Santolina Chamaecy-
parissus (or Lavender Cotton), with grey foliage. Dactylis
glomerata variegata. Festuca glauca, and the Veronica Chamœdrys
(Germander speedwell). This last-named forms itself into a
green cushion. This is the pretty blue flower of our hedges, and
we grow numbers of exotic kinds much less worthy of a place in a
border.
HARDY EVERGREENS AND FLOWERING
TREES AND SHRUBS
IN THE LONDON PARKS AND GARDENS.
WELL-PLANTED shrubbery—where judicious grouping-
has been observed both as regards height, form, and colour
of foliage and blossoms—is always attractive ; but all kinds
of trees and shrubs do not thrive in a murky atmosphere, and it
may be instructive to note such as give satisfaction in the parks
and gardens of London. Although the collection is necessarily re¬
stricted, still the best is made of what will grow, no matter to what
genera they belong ; and those which flourish the best in London
will be the best for town gardens generally. In town gardens
especially it is true wisdom not to plant for the sake of novelty, but
rather to plant for effect those shrubs which are easy to obtain and
which are good for the purpose required. A fine specimen of an
ordinary shrub is more admired than a shabby example of a rare
shrub, and a collection of fine well-grown specimens is more satis¬
fying than a collection of novelties, however distant may be their
native homes, or however much money they may have cost. It is
gratifiying to know that there are a goodly number of all kinds of
ornamental trees and shrubs which will flourish in town and country
alike, and will suit the taste of most persons. To those who have
the means and the desire to make attractive shrubberies the follow¬
ing evergreens will give satisfaction :—
Aucuba japonica, with olive green and spotted leaves, decked
with a profusion of Cherry-like berries, is a conspicuous object.
It has a tender look, but is more hardy than the common Laurel
and stands smoke better.
Arbutus or Strawberry Tree.—Indigenous in Ireland, but
quite at home in London. The bark is red, the flowers are yellow¬
ish white and red, hanging like little wax bells ; the fruit much re-
64 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
semblés the Strawberry. This shrub grows to the height of ten
feet.
Buxus sempervirens (Tree box).—This is an excellent and
most useful shrub, for it will flourish under the shade and drip of
trees and shrubs of larger growth.
Cotoneasters.—The principal beauty of the trailing species
consists in their close growth and the numerous bright berries,
which continue all winter. These trailing evergreens are useful for
mounds, banks, rockeries, or low walls.
Daphne Laureola (Wood Laurel) is an old but handsome low-
growing shrub with sweet-scented flowers. It will do well planted
in the shade of other trees in town or country gardens.
Euonymus japonicus is always beautiful. The variegated kinds
are lovely, superseding the Holly in the London gardens ; but they
are not so hardy as the green kind.
Ulex europjeus flore-pleno (Double Furze) is worthy of a
place in every shrubbery, not only for its delicate green foliage, but
for its sweet-smelling and abundant flowers. It almost gives the
appearance of a " bit of the country " brought to town when planted
in large masses.
The Holly.—Of all the shrubs for ornamenting the lawn or
affording shelter and retirement to the pleasure walk it has no equal,
and all kinds thrive to perfection in almost any situation. Both the
green and variegated Hollies are quite at home in sunshine and in
shade, and form graceful ornaments. They are lively in winter
when covered with berries, and are always highly appreciated at
Christmas.
Mahonia japonica, M. aquifolia, M. Bealii, and a few others
have magnificent foliage, and they are not surpassed by any other
hardy shrubs. They form dense bushes of lively green. During
early spring they are covered with bright flowers, which are suc¬
ceeded by bunches of Grape-like berries. They will grow under
trees, and for this purpose they are becoming popular for game
cover, and the more so as the berries are food for pheasants.
Mahonias thrive well in London gardens.
Ligustrums (Privet) are both useful and attractive when they
attain to a good size. Ligustrum lucidum, L. sempervirens, and
L. japonicum I can strongly recommend for town squares and
gardens.
Phillyreas.—These are hardy, bear smoke well, and grow in
HARDY EVERGREENS, &>c.
poor soil as well as any shrub in a town garden. The best for
general purposes are P. angustifolia and P. latifolia. The first-
named is most commonly met with. It forms masses of rich dark
green verdure all the year round.
Rhododendrons are the most showy and beautiful of evergreens.
They succeed well in the parks and gardens of London, but require
special treatment in order to have them in perfection. They must
be planted in peat, and when growing in an open exposed situation
it is requisite to water them frequently, or their flower buds wither
without expanding.
Viburnum Tinus (Laurustinus).—This shrub grows best in an
exposed situation, and will thrive in any loamy soil. It frequently
continues flowering all through the winter. It is highly ornamental
in shrubberies and on lawns, and if it should be cut down by severe
frost it will shoot again from the roots. It should never be allowed
to grow too large, for young plants flower much better and main¬
tain a more compact and healthy appearance than very large and
old shrubs.
Taxus (Yews).—There are several distinct varieties of these,
and during all stages of growth they are acceptable ornaments.
The Irish Yew (Taxus hibernica) is always a striking object in
consequence of its upright habit, and can be introduced with great
effect in certain points—garden or pleasure-ground plantations.
Crataegus Pyracantha (Evergreen Thorn).—Although this is
generally planted against a wall it will stand alone, and may be
grown as a bush, and will glow all winter with a profusion of scarlet
fruit.
The shrubs contained in this list will be sufficient to make the
garden cheerful in winter, but it will always be found that the best
assortment of evergreens has a certain dullness during the spring
and early summer months unless relieved by deciduous shrubs,
which have livelier tints of green and bright blossoms. The addi¬
tion of these is a great advantage in rendering the garden cheerful
and gay at an appropriate period. The first of deciduous shrubs
that I will mention as flourishing well in the London parks is the
Mezereon ; it has long adorned the shrubbery with its beauty.
The Naked-fiowering Jasmine (J. nudiflorum) and Forsythia
viridissima—produce bright garlands of yellow flowers freely. The
Cydonia japonica or the Japan Quince is a favourite, and is un¬
rivalled as a spring-flowering shrub when trained against a wall or
f
66 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
as a round bush, as it is grown in some of the parks. Where the
brilliant crimson flowers of the species and the white variety (alba)
are seen in proximity the effect is very pleasing. Ribes—of which
there are red, white, and yellow varieties—are invaluable for pro¬
ducing early flowers. One of the most effective is R. sanguineum,
which is highly ornamental ; so is the yet more delicate white-
flowering Ribes niveum, the waxy bells of which contrast with sober
Laurels and dark-leaved Hollies.
Amongst more noble forms of vegetation that attract, one of the
most welcome is the Almond (Amygdalus communis) and its
varieties, with their delicate rose, white, and blush-tinted flowers,
all of them powerfully fragrant. The double-flowering Peaches
are amongst the early bloomers, and are general favourites. Other
flowering shrubs which are admired in the parks are the beautiful
double-flowering Plums and Cherries.
Magnolia conspicua, with flowers large and fragrant, succeeds
admirably. Crataegus oxyacantha also succeeds well, but we must
wait till the middle of May before we see this genus in perfection in
company with the Laburnum with its yellow blossoms hangingover
Lilacs and Guelder Roses, which unite in forming an attractive
combination. About this time the Deutzia scabra shows its pearly
buds ; Weigela rosea will be covered with gay pink flowers ; and
the Mock Orange, the Syringa, is very much esteemed on account
of the fragrance of its white flowers. The common yellow Broom
everyone knows, and the effect of it in a shrubbery need scarcely be
described ; there is a white sort remarkably handsome, which
blooms in the London parks all through the month of May. During
the summer the Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida) produces its rose-
coloured pea-shaped flowers, and is highly esteemed both in town or
country.
Althaea Frutex is a beautiful shrub which thrives in London.
There are several varieties. The colours are red, white, purple,
some flowers being striped and blotched ; they are produced on the
young wood, and somewhat resemble a single Hollyhock.
Hypericum nepalense is the best of this fine group of yellow-
flowering shrubs ; it is popularly referred to by some of the
Londoners as the "Yellow Fuchsia." Spiraeas are useful for the
mixed shrubbery. There are several kinds, most of them of an
elegant habit. The flowers are much used for dinner-table decora¬
tion, for which purpose they are very appropriate.
TREES
IN THE LONDON PARKS AND GARDENS.
EVER before was the importance of trees so fully recognised
as now, and especially in towns and their vicinity, where
the disposition to plant them is greater than ever it was
before. We need not wonder at this, for there are few objects in
nature having richer points of beauty than a well-grown tree.
Without trees our parks and gardens would be flat and mononto-
nous, but with them the surface is made picturesque and the
beauty of other objects becomes enhanced. The infinite variety
of the forms of trees, and their tints of light and shade, evoke
feelings of admiration. In spring they give us the idea of fresh¬
ness and gaiety, with softness and delicacy ; in summer, they
afford shade and shelter ; and in autumn, their variety of rich
glowing tints accord admirably with each other, and form splendid
masses of colour, superior in depth and richness to that of any
other period of the year. It is astonishing how much variety may
be produced by the artistic disposition of trees even in town
gardens. In the London parks, the Beech, the Elm, the Lime,
the Horse Chestnut, the British Oak, and the common Ash, are
represented, also the Plane. The Plane tree holds a distinguished
place as a town tree, for it grows freely almost anywhere, and its
beauty is generally acknowledged. There are other trees of a
medium size, equally suitable for metropolitan parks and gardens.
The Mountain Ash (Pyrus aucuparia).—This, though one of
our smaller trees, is by no means unworthy of notice. The foliage
is light and graceful, and the colour a lively green. The branches
become elongated and bent down under the weight of their verdure
68 THE ROYAL PARES AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
in spring, and produce fragrant cream-coloured flowers, which, as
the autumn advances, are succeeded by bunches of floral-red
berries. It is a pleasing tree, and a favourite around the
metropolis.
The White Birch (Betula alba).—This is comparatively a
small tree, but it makes up in lightness and elegance for its
deficiency of size. It has been well characterised as the light,
airy, pendant; Birch. As an ornamental tree in landscape effect, it
cannot be surpassed. Coleridge awarded the palm of beauty to it,
calling it the most beautiful of forest trees—" The Lady of the
Wood."
The Hornbeam (Carpinus).—This tree is better known as a
hedge shrub than as a timber tree, yet when allowed to grow
unmutilated, it frequently attains a height of 50 feet. It very
much resembles the Beech in its appearance, although its head is
still closer and more round. It thrives in situations where some
other forest trees would dwindle away, or make but little progress.
The leaves adhere to the branches long after vegetation appears
to have ceased, rendering this tree very valuable as a shelter.
The Sycamore (Acer).—This is a tree of but second-rate
pretensions, but in the London parks it frequently equals in
magnitude trees of the first rank, Its foliage is thick, and affords
an impenetrable shade. Its spring tints are tender and glowing,
while the deep green of its summer hue harmonises with its
massive form, and the brown and reddish tints of the fading leaves
in autumn produce a beautiful effect. The bark frequently peels
off in a manner similar to that of the Plane.
The Poplar (Populus).—There are several fine species of
this tree. The Black or Italian Poplar (Populus nigra) attains to
a large size in a comparatively short space of time. The foliage
is of a pretty pale green, the leaves are smooth and shining, and,
as may be observed in Poplars generally, they flutter with the
gentlest breeze, thus producing ever-varying shades of green
sparkling in the sunbeams. It generally possesses a fine stem and
an ample head, and when planted in an appropriate situation often
appears very ornamental.
The Lombardy Poplar (Populus fastigiata) is a tree of the
most rapid growth. It shoots up in a spire-like form, the stiff
appearance harmonising well with buildings, and its growth not
being impeded by the presence of smoke it is peculiarly adapted
TREES.
69
for a town or. city tree. This Poplar, from its tall and slender
growth, possesses a beauty perhaps peculiar to itself, for when
assailed by the wind it forms a waving line, gracefully bending
from the breeze.
The Aspen (Populus tremula) is an elegant tree, rather slender
for its height, and pleasing in outline. It has a clean straight
stem, the branches shooting out horizontally to form the head.
As the tree advances in. growth, the branches gradually assume a
pendulous character. The leaves are of a fine light green, and
are in a constant tremulous motion. This tree grows well in all
soils except clay. The roots spread near the surface.
The Acacia (Robinia) is an elegant and ornamental tree. It
must ever be admired on account of its light and delicate foliage
and its fragrant flowers. Its pendant form, when arrived at
maturity, must cause it to be regarded as one of the first orna¬
ments of our parks and pleasure grounds.
The Tree of Heaven (Aliantus glandulosa).—This handsome
tree is a native of China, but it bears our winter well. It is a fast
grower, and many specimens are to be met with in the neigh¬
bourhood of London. Some beautiful examples can be seen in
Kensington Gardens from 30 to 40 feet high. Its fine pinnated
leaves and their rich green colour, impart to it great distinctness
and beauty.
The Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica pendula) is a tree of
great beauty. Unlike many weeping trees it grows upright, its
branches afterwards descending in all sorts of fantastic shapes.
No tree in Kensington Gardens elicits so many expressions of
admiration, where its branches form a dense arch over the long
flower walk, and produce a striking effect. In the same garden
the Weeping Ash is noted for its regular umbrella-like shape, and
forms a beautiful head when grafted sufficiently high.
The Willow (Salix).—There are numerous varieties of this
tree. The Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica) is perhaps the
most ornamental, beautifying the margins of lakes and ponds in
parks and pleasure grounds by its graceful pendulous branches.
It grows to. a large size, and attains a considerable age, and when
appropriately planted and its branches dipping into water, the
effect is highly picturesque.
Pine Trees (Pinus) .—Two of the most hardy and picturesque
of this genus are the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani) and the
7° THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and these are very difficult to
cultivate in town gardens, but in a more congenial atmosphere
they form handsome trees.
The Deciduous Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a very
ornamental tree, its graceful form and pleasing colour making it
highly appreciated. The leaves are, like the fronds of Ferns,
divided into narrow leaflets, which, in autumn, fade into a rich
tint before they drop off. It thrives fairly well in suburban
gardens.
The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera).—This has been
recommended for a town tree, but the climate of London does not
appear to suit it, for where there is one good specimen there are
twenty bad. Its branches die without any perceptible cause. The
foliage of this tree, when healthy, is certainly very beautiful both
in spring, summer, and autumn.
The Walnut (Juglans) and the Spanish Chesnut (Castanea
vesca) have also had advocates for town planting. I object to
them for that purpose on account of their fmit, as it almost
impossible to keep the boys from damaging the trees.
One great principle in forming beautiful trees or groups in
woods or parks, so they shall ultimately be healthy and picturesque,
is never to plant too thickly. Trees for ornament will not require
to be pruned up to such a height as those grown for timber. In
growing trees for beauty, it is necessary to avoid the mutilation so
frequently inflicted by barbaric pruning. A small pruning knife
(with the exercise of foresight and good taste) is all that is needed
to form a beautiful tree, provided it has room to grow and spread.
In concluding these remarks I would especially draw attention to
the importance of the proper preparation of the soil before
planting ; and efficient draining is also very important.
THE ARRANGEMENT OF COLOURS.
HE various colours which now distinguish the foliage of
different plants, constitute some of the most striking
phenomena of the vegetable world. Great is the variety of
tints, which are peculiarly interesting, and are worthy the attention
of every observer of nature. Some consider leaf colouring a
disease, but I think those bright and beautiful colours blended
together, as some are, cannot be disease. The different colours of
leaves and flowers, and the names to which those differences have
given rise, are so many, that the subject is one that deserves to be
treated as a separate branch of science. This variety of colouring
appears to me jointly to depend on the various structures of the
leaf, and on the different chemical actions to which those leaves
are subject, some of them evidently depending on soil and situation,
or from excess of heat or cold, and causes hitherto unascertained.
Although this change in the colour of the leaves cannot as yet
be explained, yet we know some of the laws that influence the
colour of flowers. Blue flowers will turn to white or red, but
never to yellow. A bright yellow flower will sometimes become
white, but it is never known to become blue. From whatever
circumstances a leaf is subjected to change in colour, there is one
fact certain—it in most cases adds greatly to their beauty, and
acquisition for ornamental purposes. The different hues assumed
in course of development, the bright colouring appearing in many
tints, forms, and shades, always contrasting with the natural green.
No variation of plants is more common than those of [colour,
and the colour of plants is one of the readiest marks of distinction.
72 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
We find colour scattered through all the classes of nature, animate
and inanimate, decking with tints of equal brilliancy, the shell, the
gem, birds, beasts, and reptiles, clouds which attend upon the
rising or setting sun, as well as in leaves and flowers, and with no
apparent use but that of delighting and cheering mankind with a
perpetual display of beauty.
This beautiful provision of nature has a power of imparting a
charm to things the most trivial and otherwise unattractive ; but
there is nothing that strikes us so agreeably at first sight as the
colour of flowers ; it excites our admiration, and we are attracted
by its loveliness and charmed with its beaut)'.
As green is the predominating colour in Nature, enlivening,
subduing, and refreshing, we must have it for a groundwork
in all our arrangements. Ofttimes more of the beauty of a
garden depends upon the healthy hues of the shrubs, and the
verdure of the lawn, than on the flowers. If bright colours pre¬
ponderate, they oppress, but if associated with an ample green
setting, they cheer and satisfy the eye and mind. The art of the
florist and gardener, as far as colours are concerned, consists in
arranging plants so as to produce harmony of form and colour in
both foliage and flowers, as in flower-garden groups, beds, belts,
ribbons, and conservatory arrangements. It is to aid those who
are not skilled in the arrangements of colours that a few examples
are submitted. Ladies, of late years, have aided in the arrange¬
ments of colours in their flower-gardens, and we must admit they
have displayed considerable taste ; but in order that their plans
may be effectively carried out, it is imperative that they be
submitted to the gardener some months prior to the bedding-out
season. Delay in this matter is a common source of failure, for
however skilful a man may be, he cannot prepare the plants when
time is not afforded them to grow.
Colour gives to the world beauty and ornament ; it aids us in
determining distance and space, and enables the eye more readily
to separate objects. All cclcurs are contained, in light, in a state
of combination, and are found to resolve themselves into three
primary colours—viz., red, yellow, and blue, and three compound
or intermediate colours, each formed by the union of two primitive
colours. These compound colours are purple, green, or orange.-
Mixtures of these secondary colours produce the tertiary colours,
which are softer and less definite. Black and white may for all
THE ARRANGEMENT OF COLOURS.
73
practical purposes, whether in painting, floriculture, or landscape
gardening, be considered as colours. Painters describe colours as
being warm colours or cold colours, orange and red and those
hues and tints being warm, blue and green being cold colours;
Yellow is of all colours the most allied to light, while its comple¬
mentary purple is the darkest of hues ; they contrast, therefofe,
as to light and dark—that is, in reference to light alone. Red is
the most exciting and positive of all colours, its complementary
green the most soothing and grateful to the eye. Red and green
are non-contrasting as to their powers of exciting the eye and as
to the power of colouring.
Blue is the coldest and most retiring of all colours, its comple¬
mentary orange the warmest and most advancing. Thus it will be
seen that the orange is complementary to blue, and blue to orange;
purple is a complementary to yellow, and yellow to purple ; green
is a complementary to red, and red to green. To discover the
complementary of any given colour, say red for example, you have
only to fix the eyes earnestly on a spot of black and then on a spot
of red, when a dim circle of green, the complementary colour of
red, will be seen around the red spot. In the like manner, the
complementary colour of purple will be found to be yellow, and of
blue, orange.
The simplest arrangements of colours are the combinations of
the primaries and secondaries, yet that these combinations be.
perfectly harmonious requires great skill in their distribution,
otherwise their characteristics of simplicity speedily degenerate
into coarse vulgarity. Nothing is less brilliant than flower beds in
which the only colours to be seen are blue and white. Nothing is
more gaudy than a garden stocked with a profusion of yellow and
little else. It is very unsatisfactory also to find flowers of the
same colour, but of different shades, placed near each other, and
all these errors of taste should be avoided.
In order that a garden may be showy and attractive, the grand
principle in the employment of colours is never to employ a
compound colour between the two primitive colours which com¬
pose it. For example, purple ought never to be employed between
blue and red, green between blue and yellow, or orange between
yellow and red. Blue flowers should be placed near orange, violet
next to yellow. Red and pinks look well when surrounded with a
border of white or grey. Each primitive colour should be con-
74 THE ROYAL RARHS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
trasted with its complementary one, which will always be found toi
be a compound one. Thus red is a primitive colour, but green is
a compound one ; yellow is a primitive colour, but purple a
compound ; and blue primitive, orange compound.
In the case of employing primitive colours in a combination
without the compound or intermediate colour, one should be
planted in large, and the other in small quantities. One primitive
colour may be opposite to another, and will have a good effect.
For example, adjoining a mass of blue there may be specks of red
or yellow, but the primitive colours have a better effect still when
the specks of blue, red, and yellow are dotted in a mass of
compound colours, and thus nothing is finer in effect than a mass
of green with two or three specks of red or bright yellow. The
same principle will hold good with white or black, and thus a speck
or two of bright, light, or clear-shining black may be placed
adjoining or among objects of any colour whatever. When I
speak of black it applies to foliage, not flowers; indeed, there
are no black flowers that I am aware of.
Large masses of black or dark brown are always productive of
more effect than large masses of white or grey. Black and white
in masses should be sparingly introduced everywhere where the
end to be attained is gaiety, variety, and beauty. The good
colourist has not only to study harmony of combinations, but
suitableness and local fitness, and he will require to vary his scale
of colours in depth and tone. For some aspects, such as near the
house or building, he must use cold and soft colours : for distant
effect, warm, deep, and rich colours are necessary. It should be
remembered that if any of the primary colours have a mixture or
shade of another primary, it loses its purity, and becomes, in a
degree, secondary. The secondary which is complementary to it
must contain more of the remaining primary. Thus, if red tends
towards scarlet, which is an orange red (red with yellow in it), the
green, to be truly complementary, should incline towards the re¬
maining primary blue, and be a blue-green. When red, on the
contrary, tends towards crimson (red with a blue in it), then the
complementary green should incline towards yellow, and be a
yellow-green, and the like rule holds good as to other primaries.
In the harmonies of tertiary hues, as well as of tints and hues,
some of the most refined and beautiful arrangements will be found.
Thus, primrose, which is a tint of yellow, is in harmony with lilac,
THE ARRANGEMENT OF COLOURS.
75
which is a tint of purple ; while straw colour, which is a tint of
orange slightly neutralised, is contrasted with a negative blue tint
These intermediate shades and tints, when nicely arranged, are
very satisfactory to the eye, and when harmony is attained from
their arrangements, the pleasure is greater than from those of the
simpler and more obvious kinds of contrast.
We cannot lay down precise rules, but we can suggest a few
colours which we have seen in gardens, look veiy beautiful in
juxtaposition:—i. Violet and light rose; 2. Deep blue and
golden brown; 3. Deep red and gray; 4. Claret and buff:
5. Amber and lavender; 6. Light pink and light blue; 7. Peach
and dark blue ; 7. Magenta and apricot ; 9. Light purple and light
orange. All those and many others of a soft and pleasing colour,
either in flowers or foliage, can now be had for the garden and
pleasure grounds. Of late years, quite a new feature has been
introduced in ornamental gardening by the introduction of plants
with soft and pleasing coloured foliage in the place of plants
producing gay flowers. The result is satisfactory for many
reasons. Plants of this kind remain perfectly intact throughout
the season, and produce the effect required of them, both in rain
and sunshine. We have now a great variety of plants with coloured
foliage, and every year produces examples of beds showing a still
higher standard of excellence in the decoration of the Flower
Garden.
It is a safe rule to vary the shades and quantity of green
according to the flowers—namely, if the colours of your flowers
are bright, and red predominates, the foliage must be dark green,
and plenty of it. If the flowers of these shades are delicate the
green may be delicate also, and less of it. This lesson, with many
more, we can take from nature. In the spring, all nature is
decked with pale green bespangled with soft delicate colours, and
as the season advances the greens darken and the flowers brighten.
Surely from this we might learn how to arrange them best as a
work of art. Who can look at the colours of nature, so bright, so
bold, so sensitively soft, so freely distributed, yet so charmingly
adjusted, and not learn a lesson therefrom? The groundwork
always judicious in tint heightens the lustre of all above it. Look
at the tints upon the rock—every shade of grey and gold, green
and red ; the beautiful Heather and shining golden Gorse, with
blue and grey marl and stones—a mingling of such colours that
76 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
cannot but be admired. Who could find fault with our moors and
mountain sides covered with the rosy flush of the pink Heath Bells,
and near them the ground carpeted with Blue Bells, the purple
Violets, and the Primrose tuft nestled beneath the bowery hedge
on which hangs the wild Rose interwoven with the waxy Honey¬
suckle with its coral points and ripening berries clustering, and
waving, and twining themselves into garlands ? In nature we see
flowers that hang on and festoon the steep sides of rocks, and the
dark brown trunks, and that cling to old grey walls. Then from
nature let us take our directions for the arrangements of flowers.
DESIGNS FOR FLOWER AND CARPET
BEDDING ON GRASS.
HE circle is the most simple form, and when planted in har¬
monious proportions and tints is most pleasing. I shall now
detail how to plant on the carpet-bedding mode. Various
plants, a great proportion of them new, are adopted to show that the
Geranium and Calceolaria are not the only candidates for popularity
in the summer garden. I admit there are few plants that will look
more showy than those named ; nevertheless, it is desirable that
others of equal brilliancy were more generally made use of. For
carpet bedding plants require to be selected not only for their suit¬
able colours but their duration and height.
I have confined myself to low-growing plants, but there is no
reason why tall-growing plants should not be used, or annual or
perennial flowers, also spring flowers and bulbs. A common plan
is to contrast the tints of adjacent blooms, never to let blues stand
close to blues nor reds be next to reds ; or they might be planted
on the principle of blending the colours, four or five rows to con¬
sist of various shades of the same colour. Again, a rich effect is
obtained by following the order of the prism colours—having all
the flowers at one end or side dark purple and violet, and at the
other dark reds, the purples to be followed by blues and light porce¬
lains till you come to white. Next the white should follow the
yellows, after them pink, then full reds, then dark crimson.
I will now add a small list of annuals which I know are lasting and
effective. Annuals are a beautiful and extensive tribe of plants
and worthy of the best treatment, and their service is essential in
most gardens. I shall therefore make a few remarks on the
method of raising and cultivating—first, hardy annuals, which stand
all weathers ; second, half-hardy, which can bear no frost ; third
78 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
tender, which will not thrive in the open air. These divisions,
however, run into one another by imperceptible gradations, for
several of these rank among tender annuals yet may be planted
outdoors during the summer months ; and the hardy annuals are
the better if treated as half-hardy, so the one treatment will suffice.
Besides, transplanting is in most cases an advantage, and secures
health and vigour to the plants. Raise the seedlings upon a gentle
hotbed, and when they are strong plants remove them to their des¬
tination ; but one of the chief points in the cultivation of annuals
is to have the seeds germinate well and to have the plants into their
second leaf quickly. If the seeds are sown early in April the plants
will be ready for the beds the latter end of May ; and if it is showery
weather when they are planted they will not receive any check. Do
not plant them very close, for then their beauty is not seen. I have
selected only those which grow compact and which continue long
in bloom. As they are to adorn designs their size and habit must
be studied. Many of these annuals may be pegged down with
advantage, the Phlox Drummondi for instance. When treated in
this way the beauty of it is much enhanced.
The contrast of colours I shall leave to individual tastes, but I
may just repeat that the rules of contrast and harmonies of colour
are derived from Nature. Yellow, red, and blue are contrasts in
all their shades, and the tints formed by the union of any two of
these forms harmonious colours. In the following list the six first-
named are foliage plants :—
Amaranthus melancholicus ruber.
Atriplex hortensis rubra.
This will require pegging down.
Celosia Huttoni, new, bright crimson
and claret colour.
Golden Pyrethrum.
Perilla nankinensis.
Tagetes signata pumila.
Ageratum Imperial, dwarf blue.
Asperula azurea setosa, blue.
Alonsoa Warscewiczii compacta,
scarlet.
Alyssum maritimum, white.
Bartonia aurea, bright yellow.
Clarkia alba, white, red, rose, violet.
Convolvulus minor, white, blue, dark
violet.
Clintonia pulchella, blue and white.
Eschscholtzia crocea, orange and
white.
Godetia, rose, purple, white.
Lupinus nanus albus, white.
Marigold, French Miniature, brown,
and yellow.
Malope grandiflora, crimson, purple,
white.
Mesembryanthemum, rose, purple,
white.
Nasturtium Tom Thumb, rose, crim¬
son, scarlet, yellow.
Nemesia compacta, blue and white.
Nemophila, purple, white, blue.
Petunia, many colours.
Phlox Drummondi, purple, rose, pink,
white, crimson.
Saponaria calabrica, rose, white, pink.
Senecio, crimson, red, purple, white.
Viscaria, scarlet, rose, white, crimson.
DESIGNS.
79
CARPET BEDS.—The following examples of planting circular
beds effectively are submitted :—
1. Cineraria maritima compacta. Almost pure white, a great
improvement on Cineraria maritima. It is nearly hardy, and
strikes freely from cuttings at all times.
2. Golden Pyrethrum. It is uniform, neat, and compact, form¬
ing an equal surface. Sow the seed in March in a greenhouse or
frame, or outdoors on a warm border. Small plants at bedding-out
time are better than large plants, as they are not so apt to run to
seed as are older plants or cuttings.
3. Lobelia Blue King. A light sky blue and free-flowering
variety, constant in bloom until the frost cut it down. It makes a
charming groundwork for bright colours.
4. Alternanthera amcena spectabilis. Of all the new and orna¬
mental foliage plants for the flower garden decoration throughout
8o THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
the summer months the Alternantheras are the most useful. They
are essential in forming brilliant combinations ; and are invaluable
for contrasts in designs. The variety named is a marked improve¬
ment on A. amœna, brighter in colour and stronger in growth.
Propagate in heat in March and April, grow on in heat, shade from
the sun, and the greener they are the faster the plants will grow.
Let them have air and sun a week before they are planted out, and
they will soon colour and make a fine feature in panel and geome¬
trical groundwork.
5. Echeveria glauca metallica. A very distinct and valuable
addition to this class of summer bedding plants. A deep glaucous
green with a bronze hue, large showy leaves, free and dwarf grower.
It is propagated by offsets and seed.
DESIGN B.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Golden Pyrethrum.
2. Lobelia Blue Stone, new, and producing a profusion of dark
DESIGNS.
81
flowers. A very compact and upright growing variety ; a marked
improvement on the speciosa section ; it is the desideratum in the
Lobelia group. Cuttings inserted in March or April make nice
plants by the 1st of June.
3. Alternanthera paronychyoides major, orange and carmine. It
makes a beautiful contrast with the blue Lobelia. It has proved
one of the distinct and attractive bedding plants, and is an exceed¬
ingly pleasing acquisition.
4. Alternanthera magnifica. Orange and red. We use this sort
extensively in the London parks, and with great success. It is most
highly ornamental, and rather a vigorous grower, but still close and
compact. This beautiful variety will be found as effective in tone
of colour for elegant contrasts as others in the same group.
5. Echeveria secunda glauca. The utility of this plant for bed¬
ding purposes is established—for margins of beds it is extremely
effective ; indeed, it is one of the most attractive and useful bedding
plants in Hyde Park, where there is an immense quantity of it used.
6. Alternanthera amœna. Colour magenta.
7. Stellaria graminea aurea, an elegant little golden plant. It is
exceedingly useful and ornamental. It is a valuable addition, and
is very effective as a margin, and the closer it is kept clipped the
brighter it becomes in colour. It is worthy of a place in the most
select designs. It is hardy, and may be propagated by pulling it
into small pieces. It contrasts beautifully with the grass, and shows
the bed to perfection.
DESIGN C.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Leucophyton Browni.—This is undoubtedly one of the very
finest plants for carpet bedding or any select design. In flower
beds it cannot fail to become a universal favourite. Its compact
upright habit, and its numerous branches of small white shoots
are almost as stiff as wire, make it useful forpanel work and form¬
ing divisional lines. This plant has been kindly treated, and yet
treated wrongly. It has been placed in a warm house, which has
made it look sickly ; it dislikes even the smell of the fire. The
proper place for it in winter is a cold frame ; it will live and be
82 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
healthy the whole time. It will strike very readily in a cold frame,
and that is the only way to ensure its success.
2. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.—This is a very beautiful
variety ; it is a sport from C. Verschaffelti, is very bright in colour
and dwarf in habit. It is a great acquisition for decorative purposes.
3. Alternanthera magnifica.
4. Lobelia Porcelain Brilliant.—This beautiful variety is a valu¬
able addition ; it produces a profusion of fine expanded light porce¬
lain blue flowers, prettily relieved by a small white eye. It is a
tone of colour very effective in contrasts for the decoration of the
flower garden.
5. Golden Pyrethrum.
6. Alternanthera versicolor, mottled rose and carmine. This is
a very distinct and pretty variety, splendid in colour, dwarf and
DESIGNS. 83
compact in habit, and admirably adapted for the decoration of beds
in an exposed situation. It must not be planted in too rich soil,
or it is apt to grow too strong and become green.
7. Sedum acre elegans.
DESIGN D.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Perilla nankinensis.—The entire plant is of a deep bronze
purple colour, almost black, crisp and curly. It contrasts best
with yellow. It is an annual. Sow the seed in March.
2. Golden Pyrethrum.
3. White Lobelia nivea.—I consider this the best of all the
white Lobelias, both in purity and size of flower.
4. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
84 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
5. Verbena Sportsman.—A rosy pink colour. It originated in
Hyde Park, being a sport from Purple King, and is in every
respect the same as Purple King, except the colour. It is a
pleasing acquisition. No less than ten thousand plants were used
in the above park during one season, and which won general
admiration.
6. Lobelia Mazarine Gem.—An admirable variety. It is quite
unequalled in depth and brilliancy of colour, and produces its
blooms to the very end of the season.
7. Alternanthera amœna.
8. Echeveria secunda glauca.
DESIGN E.—MODE OF PLANTING.
I. Lobelia Blue King,
z. Alternanthera amœna spectabilis.
3. Alternanthera paronychoides major
4. White Lobelia.
5. Stellaria graminea auvea.
DESIGN F.—MODE OF PLANTING.
I. Coleus Verschaffelti. 2. Leucophyton Browni,
3. Lobelia Blue Stone. 4. Alternanthera magnifica (deep claret).
5. Stellaria graminea aurea. 6. Echeveria secunda glauca.
7. Sempervivum montanum.
DESIGN G.—MODE OF PLANTING.
I. Iresine Lindeni and Gazania splendens, planted alternately.
2. White Lobelia. 3. Blue Lobelia.
4. Golden Pyrethrum. 5. Echeveria secunda glauca.
DESIGN H.—MODE OF PLANTING. DESIGN I.—MODE OF PLANTING.
i. Altemantheraamœnaspectabilis. 2. Lobelia pumila grandiflora. 1. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
3. Alternanthera paronychyoides major. 2. Little Golden Christine Geranium, pink flower and golden leaf.
4. Lobelia pumila grandiflora. 5. Stellaria graminea aurea. 3. Lobelia Blue Bonnet, a rich blue with a white eye.
.1. Mesembrvantheum cordifolium variegatum.
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DESIGNS.
agreeable change to the m ore elaborate modes of planting, which
have previously been given as suitable for circular beds.
DESIGN J.—MODE OF PLANTING.
4. Echeveria secunda glauca.
5. Stellaria graminea aurea.
1. Coleus Verschaffelti.
2. Golden Pyrethrum.
3. Alternanthera magnifica.
Examples having been given of suitable modes of effectively
planting circular beds, a few designs suitable for beds of an oval
form may appropriately follow. Round beds are the most common
of all forms ; they are also adaptable to an almost endless variety
of modes of planting them, and if the plants are judiciously
selected, and their colours correctly arranged, few, if any, forms
of bed show to better advantage. The plans which have been
submitted are sufficiently numerous to meet various tastes, and,
also, as embracing or providing for the employment of the several
plants which are usually prepared for this mode of decoration.
Oval-shaped beds are less numerous than round beds, but are
equally effective when properly planted. Four suitable and
88
THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
distinct modes of planting an oval-shaped bed are now figured ;
they are quite different in character, have an agreeable appearance,
and afford ample choice for intending planters.
DESIGN L.
•go
THE ROYAL PARR'S AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
BED K.—MODE OF PLANTING.
x. Geranium Robert Fish.—This is a very dwarf and compact
variety ; the foliage is pale yellow, the flowers bright scarlet. It
is a free bloomer, distinct, and beautiful, and very effective for
lines in ornamental beds.
2. Cineraria maritima compacta.
3. Achyrocyline Saundersonii.—This is a very distinct, neat,
and free bushy-growing plant, having silvery grey foliage. Its
erect habit of growth makes it desirable for lines in mixed beds.
It is propagated from seeds or cuttings in autumn or spring ; the
autumn cuttings strike freely in a cold frame, or under a hand¬
glass. In spring it is best to place the plants in a little heat, and
then the shoots that are made will strike freely.
4. Alternanthera amabilis latifolia (orange and red).—A bold'
strong-growing, and showy variety, enduring alike in rain or sun¬
shine. It may be used in any exposed situation, and will maintain
its bold and dense character until late in the autumn. It is a
superb plant for designs, and it may be used in other ways with
great advantage.
5. Lobelia Blue Stone.
6. Silver variegated Geranium.
7. Echeveria secunda glauca.
8. Stellaria graminea aurea.
DESIGN L.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Golden Pyrethrum.
2. Alternanthera amoena.
3. Helichrysum maritimum.—This is excellent for a margin to
bed of dwarf plants. The small leaves are glossy, and shine like
grey satin. It is a creeping plant, forming itself into a neat and
compact border. It is one of the most desirable and effective
plants we have for edgings. It propagates itself, and will keep
well in a cold frame.
DESIGNS.
91
DESIGN M.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Chamoepeuce Diacantha.—White spiny-foliage plant of a very
striking appearance, forming a fine contrast when grouped with
other plants, and, for ornamental bedding, it is unequalled by any
plant in cultivation with similar foliage. Sow seeds in March in a
gentle bottom heat, transplant the seedlings in pans as soon as they
are large enough to handle, pot them as they get larger, keep them
growing, and they will be fine plants to go out by the end of
May.
2. Lobelia Blue king, light blue.
3. Alternanthera paronychyoides major.
4- Alternanthera amœna spectabilis.
5. Golden Pyrethrum.
6. Echeveria secunda glauca major.-—Distinct and very fine
between Echeveria secunda glauca and E. metallica. The leaves
and the whole character of the plant resemble E. secunda glauca,
but are larger than that species. The plants are stemless, and
form semi-globular tufts. It is a fine addition to the summer-
bedding succulents, and is propagated by offsets, which are
produced freely.
DESIGN N.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Fuchsia Golden Fleece.—The style of growth is dwarf and
branching ; leaf medium-sized, very glossy, and shining like gold ;
the flower-buds (including tube and sepals) are light crimson ; the
corolla blue. The plant grows freely, and the more it is exposed
to light, air, and sunshine, the brighter is the colour of the leaves.
Cuttings struck in the spring make the best plants for beds.
2. Achyrocyline Saundersonii, silver foliage.
3. Lobelia Blue king, sky blue colour.
4. Golden Pyrethrum.
5. Eeheveria secunda glauca.
6. Alternanthera magnifica.
7. Lobelia White Perfection. One of the best of its class.
8. Stellaria graminea aurea.
9. Cerastium tomentosum.
92 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
DESIGNS.
93
94 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Plans for effectively planting round-shaped and oval-shaped beds
have been submitted, and we may now usefully refer to other forms.
The shape of beds is generally determined by individual taste, some
owners preferring simple and others intricate forms. Occasionally
however, the shape of the grass plot and its position suggest the
form of bed which is most appropriate. Design O is a simple yet
a favourite-shaped bed, and is particularly suitable to many situa¬
tions. The following has proved a good mode of arrangement :—
DESIGN O.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
2. Centaurea ragusina compacta.—As its name implies it is more
DESIGNS.
95
compact in habit, and not so coarse towards the end of the summer
as C. ragusina. It is progagated by seeds and cuttings. To in¬
duce the plants to seed pick out a few of the healthiest plants in
spring, pot them in good fibrous loam, and let them become pot-
bound, which will cause them to flower more freely. Leave them
out of doors in a sunny place, as they do not seed so well under
glass. It is a good plan to brush the flowers with a camel-hair
brush in the middle of the day to scatter the pollen. The flowers
should be kept dry by protection. Most people strike the cuttings
in the autumn, but they strike readily in the spring and make good
plants by bedding-out time. Take the top and side shoots without
disfiguring the plants, and insert the cuttings one in a small pot
(thimbles), placing them in bottom heat. A hotbed is best where
the cuttings will be close to the glass. They must have a little air
and plenty of light, for if kept close and shaded they will damp-off.
If treated in this way they will take root in ten days.
3. Iresine Herbsti.—Its prevailing hue is a deep chocolate
brown, and presents when seen against the sun transparent ruby
and rose hues, which make it very effective, eapecially when asso¬
ciated with the silvery foliage of the Centaurea. It is propagated
by cuttings struck in spring. The 1st of June is quite soon enough
for this plant to be turned out. It can be kept to any uniform
height by pinching and pegging.
4. Abutilon vexillarium aurea.—A distinct and effective variety.
Its yellowish marbled and blotched leaves are distinct and beautiful.
It is of a trailing and branching habit, and is a very desirable acqui¬
sition for margins, lines, beds, and borders. It is propagated in
autumn and spring by cuttings struck in heat.
DESIGN P.—MODE OF PLANTING.
This is a bed of a totally different character from the preceding
and it will look well planted as follows :—•
1. Lobelia Blue King.
2. Cineraria acanthaefolia.—A robust silvery-foliaged plant, with
leaves somewhat resembling those of Centaurea candidissima, but
the plant is of a more compact habit than the Centaurea. It is
a valuable addition to the silvery foliage plants. It is propagated
96 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
DESIGNS.
97
from cuttings, which in the autumn will root in a cold pit or frame.
In the spring bottom heat is required for striking the cuttings.
Perhaps it would be as well to state that cuttings of white or grey
silvery-foliage plants do not require to be shaded as much as others,
as white is a non-conductor of heat.
3. Alternanthera amœna spectabile, brilliant magenta red.
4. Tagetes signata pumila, green. An easily grown and extremely
accommodating plant. The introduction of green into beds of
coloured foliage was a bold innovation, for until then the grass sur¬
rounding the beds had been considered sufficient of that neutral
colour. That the judicious employment of dwarf plants with green
foliage is not only permissible but advantageous for associating
with such plants as Golden Feather, crimson Alternantheras, &c.,
many of the best beds both in the public parks and private gardens
testify. The green divisional bands separating the brighter panels
have added greatly to the finished effect of the beds, and green
carpet plants have become deservedly popular.
As was to be expected, other dwarf-growing green carpet plants
than the Tagetes were sought for, and the result is that some of
them have proved extremely suitable for carpet bedding. With
the undoubted advantages of the Tagetes—its ready growth from
seed and its elegantly cut and bright green foliage—must be con¬
sidered the disadvantage that to keep it sufficiently dwarf and con¬
stantly green continued pinchings must be resorted to. That not
only involves considerable labour, but the result, especially towards
the end of the season, is not always satisfactory. After the pinching
has been over and over again repeated the plants become stubby,
and instead of the feathery-green surface, which is so pleasing, the
plants show the pinched stems which destroy at once the softness
and smoothness which render the lines so attractive.
In order to obviate the labour of pinching, and as seeking to
produce a low smooth carpet of green, Cerastium arvense was
introduced into the carpet beds in Battersea Park. At the first
sight this plant was considered a success, but as the season ad¬
vanced its popularity decreased, its colour being too dull to be
permanently satisfying, and it has only been employed to a limited
extent during the present season. Taking, therefore, the two plants,
Tagetes and green Cerastium, the former is still the most generally
useful, although the latter is. not to be despised, especially as it
needs no pinching.
H
98 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
Other substitutes for the Tagetes have this year been sought for
at the Crystal Palace, and in the excellent beds there some of the
dwarf Saxifrages have been employed, such as Saxifraga hypnoides,
S. Gmelini, and others ; also the green Mesembryanthemum cordi-
folium. The latter plant, which grows more vigorously than M.
cordifolium variegatum, is too robust for the chaste designs of
small beds ; and the Saxifrages, while being both dwarf and green
have a more or less tufty aypearance, and cannot be considered a
perfect green carpet plants, and so far as these plants are concerne
he Tagetes is still not superseded. The most perfect of all green
carpet plants is, however, Sedum Pulegium gibraltaricum. It is
of close growth requiring neither pinching nor pegging and is
quite hardy.
5. Alternanthera paronychyoides major.
6. Lysimachia Nummularia aurea, or the Golden Creeping
Jenny.—This is a distinct ornamental-foliage plant; the leaves
and branches are of a bright golden yellow. The original type of
this plant (Creeping Jenny) is well-known as one of the most useful
for vases or baskets, but this golden sport is well adapted for decora¬
tion in the most exquisite arrangements. It has been used in
Kensington Gardens with the greatest success. It is easily in¬
creased by cuttings and is quite hardy.
7. Echeveria secunda glauca.
Of all the varieties of shape and form of design for flow er beds
the scroll is thought by some people of taste to be the most agree¬
able. There is no doubt when those figures are clothed with
effective colours supported by congenial tints, that pleasing and
brilliant results may be obtained. The most suitable place for a
scroll bed is on the side of a grassy bank or the slope of a green
terrace ; also by the margin of a winding walk, with here and there
open spaces, an embellishment of this description would be appro¬
priate. The following plants and their mode cf arrangement are
submitted as suitable for scroll-shaped beds :—
DESIGN Q.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Convolvulus mauritanicus.—This is a fine plant for a carpet.
It soon covers the surface with its little sailing shoots, and produces
DESIGNS.
99
an abundance of lovely mauve-coloured blossoms all through the
summer season. It may be wintered in a cold frame, and is pro¬
pagated by cuttings in the spring for summer use. The cuttings
root freely in a little bottom heat.
2. Lobelia speciosa Brilliant.—Large flower, deep rich blue with
white eye. Very effective.
3. Golden Pyrethrum.
4. Alternanthera spathulata.—A rose-pink variety with long
narrow leaves. It requires planting in poor soil, otherwise it is
apt to grow green. Another way to make it retain its colour is to
plunge the pots in which the plants are growing, and the plants
will then retain their colour.
5. Alternanthera paronychyoides major.
6. Alternanthera amœna spectabilis.
7. Gnaphalium lanatum.—This is well known as one of the
most useful plants for edging purposes. It may be kept compact
and uniform in its growth, and may be trimmed to any shape re¬
quired, and the more it is cut the better it looks, for the young
shoots are almost white. Two or three old plants kept through
the winter in a cold frame will give a good batch of cuttings.
They should be placed in a little heat, and the shoots that are made
after will take root freely.
loo THE ROYAL PARES AND GARDENS OR LONDON.
DESIGN R.
102 7ILE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
DESIGN R.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Ajuga reptans rubra.—This is a pretty dwarf-growing plant.
The smooth and dark glossy purple leaves are very suitable for a
groundwork in a design and contrast well with bright colours. It
is quite hardy and will grow in any situation. Propagate by cutting
the plant up in small pieces as soon as it has done flowering in
May.
2. Echeveria metallica.—This is really the most striking and
ornamental of all the Echeverias, its broad, fleshy, glaucous
leaves shaded with a rich metallic hue, rendering it highly decora¬
tive either singly or in groups. The best and the easiest way to
propagate it is by seed.
3. Cineraria maritima compacta.
4. Alternanthera magnifica.
5. Stellaria graminea aurea.
6. Leucophyton Browni.
The accompanying designs are suitable for ornam ental borders
at the foot of a wall. The wall we must suppose is covered with
creepers, which will form a good background for bright colours.
DESIGN S.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. The wall.
2. Scarlet Geranium—any tall-growing kind.
3. Centaurea gymnocarpa.
4. Purple King Verbena.
5. Yellow Calceolaria.
6. Geranium, silver-edged variety.—There is one called Elegant-
issima, a charming little plant of compact habit, specially adapted
for small groups in fancy parterres in scroll work, or in any lady's
flower-garden design. Let the flowers remain on, for they will add
to the beauty of the whole.
7. Golden Pyrethrum.
8. Alternanthera amœna.
9. Cerastium tomentosum.
10. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
11. Stellaria graminea aurea.
DESIGNS.
103
DESIGN T.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. The wall.
2. Crimson Geranium.
3. Dactylis glomerata elegantissima.—The best way to increase
this plant is to divide it into small pieces in the spring and not in
the autumn ; and if it is disturbed when the beds are cleared in
the autumn the plants must be taken up carefully and planted
again firmly by treading the ground around them. It is quite
hardy.
4. Ageratum Imperial Dwarf.—A valuable acquisition to bedding
plants. Cuttings struck in April will make good plants to turn out
by the end of May.
5. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
6. Pachyphytum bracteosum.—Its large succulent leaves closely
borne on the stems are covered with a glaucous bloom or silvery
white powder—a desirable acquisition to that class class of plants.
It is very valuable for edgings or for lines in ornamental designs.
It endures well through the winter in an ordinary greenhouse. It
is increased by laying the little leaves on a pan or pot of white
sand ; they need not be inserted, but merely laid upon the sand ;
the roots will soon appear and find the sand.
7. Golden Pyrethrum.
8. Alternanthera magnifica.
9. Kleinia repens.—A neat-growing, distinct, and effective little
plant. The leaves and stems are covered with a glaucous bloom of
a bluish grey. It is a succulent plant, and one of the most useful
for bedding purposes. It is increased by cuttings or by pulling off
the leaves from the stem and treating them the same as the
Pachyphytum.
10. Stellaria graminea aurea.
DESIGNS.
io6 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
The beds now figured are designed for angles at the junction of
two walks. The filling-up of plain angles on grass with beds so as
to please the eye is seldom performed to satisfaction, and conse¬
quently in such situations it is common to meet with circles, ovals,
and squares, which are never so pleasing as graceful and curved
figures would be in the same position. The following beds will
produce a good effect in the situations alluded to, and will form
companion beds to simple as well as more elaborate beds laid down
on other parts of the lawn.
KSIGN U.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Mesembryanthemum cordifoli um variegata.
2. Lobelia Blue King.
3. Lobelia Omen, rosy purple.—This is certainly a pretty an
DESIGArS.
distinct variety, of dwarf habit, and a free bloomer. It has been
used in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, also in the
squares near the Houses of Parliament, and in each place it gave
the greatest satisfaction.
4. Alternanthera amœna spectabilis.
5. Iresine Lindeni.
6. Golden Pyrethrum.
7. Sempervivum arachnoideum.—This is one of the most in¬
teresting of the whole family. It is admirably adapted for edging
purposes, the plant being covered with a dense white web, which
makes it one of the most conspicuous of this section. It is quite
hardy, and will thrive in the hottest situation where there is hardly
sufficient soil to nourish any other plant. It is increased by off¬
shoots, which grow rapildy.
ioS THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OP LONDON.
DESIGN v.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Iresine Lindeni.
2. Achillea umbellata.—Dwarf and compact, of a bluish white
colour. It forms one of the most charming carpets for a small
bed that can be imagined. It can be used with a beautiful effect
in many different ways ; it makes a neat line, also a good edging.
It only wants to be known to be more appreciated. Three years
ago I had only three little plants, and I have now three thousand.
It is quite hardy, but it is advisable to preserve the plants through
the winter in a cold frame. It is increased by divisions and cut¬
tings in August, dividing the plants into small pieces with a little
root to each, and potting them. The root will soon fill the pot,
and the foliage soon cover its surface. To increase by cuttings,
which is done in spring, first place a few pots in gentle heat and
draw out the cuttings, as gardeners call it, and the shoots which are
made in heat will also root freely in heat.
3. Lysimachia Nummularia aurea.—Generally known as Creep¬
ing Jenny, Moneywort, and several other names. A bright golden
yellow colour, and very constant in colour. Not a green leaf have
I seen upon this plant.
4. Senecio argenteus.—This is without a doubt one of the finest
hardy white-foliage plants in cultivation, and one that can be suc¬
cessfully grown in any ordinary border ; but it thrives best when
planted in beds or borders in good loam mixed with plenty of
stones, as in its wild state it is found growing among the loose
stones and debris which have fallen down the Alpine mountain. It
is ver}' silvery and attractive.
The plans now figured are also suitable for the corners of lawns,
the angles of walks or recesses in shrubberies. The plants with
which they may be planted effectively are of easy increase, preser¬
vation, and culture. The following modes of planting beds of these
designs have been admired :—
DESIGNS.
109
DESIGN W.— MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Agathea coelestis.—-This is a very pleasing little dwarf plant.
The small green and white leaves form a close carpet, and it is
spangled all over with sky-blue flowers, which give to the whole an
elegant effect. The plant is preserved in a cold frame during the
winter. It is easily propagated from cuttings with or without heat.
no THE ROYAL PARES AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
2. Alternanthera magnifica.
3. Gnaphalium tomentosum.—A silvery-foliage plant of a dwarf
bushy habit. Its long narrow leaves are erect, and the plant can
be trained to any desired shape, which makes it so useful for divi¬
sions and for edging of beds. It is very effective if planted in
juxtaposition to bright colours. It can be wintered in a cold frame.
It roots freely from cuttings in spring with a little warmth, and in
the autumn without heat.
4. Lobelia Omen.
5. Teucrium Polium.—A dwarf spreading plant of a bluish grey
colour. It may be trained to any shape. It is very useful and
effective for edging or as a carpet for taller plants. It will winter
in safety in a cold frame, and strikes freely from cuttings with cr
without heat.
BED X.—MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Geranium Golden Tricolor, Viola Purple Queen being inter¬
mixed with the Geranium.—This is a dwarf compact-growing
Viola, distinct from V. cornuta. Flowers of a pale violet, borne in
great profusion from March to October. A valuable addition to
summer bedding plants. Perfectly hardy. It is propagated by
seed in the spring.
2. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
3. Geranium Silver Tricolor and Campanulata turbinatahybrida.
—As a dwarf Campanula this is one of the best of its class, form¬
ing a compact, hardy, perennial, herbaceous plant from nine to
twelve inches in height, with a neat close leaf-growth, yielding a
mass of rich purplish blue, white, and porcelain-white flowers
during the summer months. It is propagated by seed and divisions.
4. Golden Pyrethrum.
5. Funkia undulata.—This is a beautiful dwarf plant. The
variegation is of a pearly white, and all through the spring and
summer it is exceedingly attractive. It is hardy, and is propagated
by divisions.
6. Oxalis corniculata rubra.—This is a very dwarf and effective
plant for covering the ground as a carpet. The colour of the leaves
is a rich velvety dark brown colour. It is hardy, and increased by
runners.
DESIGNS.
ni
DESIGN X.
An oblong bed is the most simple and one of the most common.
It is to be seen in most gardens, particularly the great public
Gardens. In these large pleasure grounds we see long lines of
oblong and circular beds next the main walks, and at one time it was
customary to plant the oblongs alike with four or five bright colours
na 7HE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
running through them ribbon fashion ; and yet there was no dis¬
tinct ribbon effect, for the circles were planted differently, so that
the lines of colour in the oblongs were broken at regular intervals,
even when viewed lengthwise, which is the only way to look at a
ribbon border ; but when viewed from the walk there is a great
sameness, as when you see one you see the whole. Now there is a
change for the better; every bed is complete in itself, and as
distinct as possible, and a long row of beds is like a long row of
pictures, more or less interesting to* all. The edges to the oblong
beds may all be alike, and so may the first row of plants, for it
would be like the frames to the pictures ; and the circles should be
distinct from the oblongs. One might be planted with silver-
foliaged and the other with golden-foliaged plants as edgings, and
one bed might be all foliage plants, another all flowers, then foliage
and flowers mixed. One or two might be carpet beds, for the
oblong bed is quite charming when planted in tapestry fashion, and
the design may be varied yearly. The two submitted—Y and Z—
are distinct and attractive. The Agave, the Kleinia, Echeveria,
and Cotyledon are succulent plants with stems and leaves, fleshy in
texture as the common Houseleak. These plants are capable of
affording beautiful and distinct features in carpet bedding from
their neat foliage and habit alone, and the introduction of them is
one of the most rapidly growing improvements now taking place
in our flower gardens. They were first used for making edgings
for beds and borders, but they are very valuable for making small
mosaic and neat little panels in carpet beds. The large growing
kinds are. very pretty when used singly.
DESIGNS.
»3
DESIGN Z.—MODE OF PLANTING.
The two plants numbered 13 and 15 are worthy of special note.
They are hardy, both are of a bright refreshing green, and both are
dwarf requiring no pinching.
It is certain that these plants will spread largely and will be
extensively planted in many gardens. Both are extremely effective,
and they serve two distinct purposes in carpet bedding. For narrow
lines, chains, and connecting links the Mentha is pre-eminently
suitable. For this purpose no other green cushion plant can
approach it.
But while the Mentha is specially adapted for lines of say six
inches in width, Sedum Lydium for forming a broad expanse of
green as a groundwork, for a pattern wrought out in brighter
colours, is particularly suitable. We have seen it forming green
divisional lines five or six inches wide separating brighter colours,
and also in a broader expanse constituting the groundwork for a
coloured design. In the former case it is effective, but in the latter
it is especially charming, and it is possibly the finest of all dwarf
bedding plants for producing a broad groundwork of the brightest
green. In order, however, that it may continue really green and
refreshing it must be planted in good soil and be kept regularly
supplied with water. If planted in poor soil, or allowed to become
very dry, the foliage is apt to turn brown, which considerably mars
its beauty. It is free-growing, attaining a height of three or four
inches, producing a cushion-like surface at once close and elegant.
The Mentha, it may be useful to add, is a Pennyroyal—the
Gibraltar Pennyroyal, and apparently differing from the English
type in the more erect growth of the former. Possibly there will
be those who will now try our old garden herb as a green carpet-
bedding plant, which may, perhaps, be elevated from an obscure
corner in the kitchen garden to a prominent place in the flower
garden, where it may yet become popular, especially if it is known
by its name of Mentha Pulegium; "Pennyroyal" would scarcely
do near the drawing-room windows. The fame of its Spanish
congener is already established as the foremost of green cushion
plants for artistic gardening.
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1. Agave americana variegata, on a
carpet of Kleinia repens.
2. Alternanthera magnifica.
3. Alternanthera spathulata.
4. Lobelia pumila grandifiora.
5. Echeveria secunda glauca.
6. Sempervivum californicum.
1. Alternanthera magnifica.
8. Golden Pyrethrum.
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1. Lobelia pumila grandiflora.
2. Stellaria graminea aurea.
3. Alternanthera paronychyoides.
4. Agave americana variegata, young
plants.
5. Agave americana, young plants.
6. Cotyledon bracteatum.
7. Sempervivum ciliatum.
S. Echeveria metallica.
9. Sempervivum velutinum.
10. Echeveria atropurpurea.
11. Sempervivum tabulteforme.
12. Echeveria secunda glauca.
13. Mentha Pulegium gibraltarica.
14. Sempervivum tectçrum.
15. Sedum Lydium.
16. Sempervivum califomicum ; the
inner row is planted in an oblique
direction, the outer horizontally.
17. Echeveria secunda.
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il6 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
design for flower garden on gravel
DESIGNS.
«7
DESIGN FOR FLOWER GARDEN ON GRAVEL.
The design here given represents the beds as laid down on gravel,
surrounded with a wide margin of grass. The figures are formed
with Box edging, leaving intervening alleys. There are six entrances,
one at each end and two on each side, and in the centre of each a
small circular bed with a Rose tree or upright shrub in the centre
of it, which takes off the formality. The two circular beds are for
vases, which may be made to add still more beauty to the effect by
filling them with drooping plants, which would be very appropriate.
This design should be placed in a level and open space near the
house, and be so constructed that all the compartments may be
seen from the windows; and if well kept, neat Box edging, smooth
and well-coloured gravel, and smooth grass verge and lawn, the
design will be found attractive.
The following is a list of plants and a suitable mode of arrange¬
ment for this design :—
MODE OF PLANTING.
1. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
2. Cineraria asplenifolia.
3. Verbena Sportsman.
4. Vases.
3. Coleus Verschaffelti splendens.
6. Centaurea gymnocarpa.
7. Verbena Purple King.
8. Silver-variegated Geranium.
9. Pink-flowering Geranium.
10. Blue Lobelia.
11. Alternanthera paronychyoides
major.
12. Lobelia Blue Stone.
13. Stellaria graminea aurea.
14. Rose or pink Geranium.
15. Iresine Lindeni.
16. Golden Pyrethrum.
17. An upright shrub or Rose tree,
with a carpet of Alternanthera
amœna spectabilis or Coleus
Verschaffelti splendens.
18 and 19. Echeveria secunda glauca.
Ii8 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
No. i.
HE distinguishing marks of beauty in a plant that is used in
subtropical bedding arrangements are its massive yet graceful
form, and the shape, firmness, and also elegance of the leaf.
Now, the way in which we often see ornamental-foliaged plants
used, beauty and perfection appear of no consideration, the stately
plants being so crowded together that their beauty is lost. Look
for instance at a large bed of Solanums, Caladiums, Dracaenas,
Ferdinandias, Wigandias, or Ricinus. When they are closely
planted a clump of shrubs would be quite as effective. Now, how
are the grand qualities of this class of plants to be seen to the best
advantage—the eye gratified and perfection attained ? In the first
place they must not be planted so closely as to touch each other,
and at the end of the growing season they will be robust, graceful,
and vigorous ; air and light will play between the leaves and
branches, and they will grow into shapes worthy of admiration
insteadof gaunt and meagre formsthat cannot be recognized as
attractive.
In the carrying out of a well-arranged scheme of subtropical
bedding it is essential to use plants of a compact habit and of bright
colours, for it would be just as monotonous to gaze on a number
of tall as it would be on a number of dwarf plants. Tall plants
are necessary for the relief of the dwarfer varieties, and the dwarf
plants wonderfully increase the appearance of plants of nobler
growth ; so we must use them collectively, and adjust them so as to
harmonize together.
The form of beds is of great importance in the arrangement of
subtropical plants, for such plants we want in no formal or geome¬
trical order, and we must therefore avoid points, angles, and
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
119
elaborate designs. The more irregular the outlines of the beds are
the more natural will the plants look and form predominating
features. Each bed may be varied in shape by turns and curves,
but avoiding large broad beds, rather keeping to long and narrow
forms, for they are greatly preferred for growing, also showing to
advantage, plants which are subtropical in character and which
look more natural than they would if planted in a choice design.
Many there are, however, who appreciate this style of gardening
but object to it on the score of its costliness, and the high degree
of skill necessary to carry it out successfully. But such is really
not the case. There are numbers of plants suitable for subtropical
bedding that may be raised from seed at a very nominal cost in
spring and be ready for the ensuing summer, and with as little
trouble as that attached to the production of Stocks, Asters, and
other half hardy annuals. Then there are other plants that require
only a little space in winter so as they are secured from frost, and
there are many hardy plants capable, with judicious arrangements,
of producing splendid effect if associated with subtropicals, as
they are both graceful in ' habit, elegant in form, and distinct in
character ; hence they are well adapted for this system of gardening,
one important fact which must be borne in mind is that subtropical
plants of noble growth have a better effect in a large than a small
garden and where there is only space for a few beds it is not wise
to fill them with the strong and tall growing subjects. There are a
great number of small and choice plants which are suitable for small
gardens, and those, when planted in a few beds close under the
eye, will have the desired effect. The possession of a conservatory
is sufficient for growing large and noble plants such as Palms,
Musas, Dracsens, Tree Ferns, and others of a subtropical type.
These plants have a charming appearance in an extensive pleasure
ground, for they look more natural out of doors in summer than
when crowded in a house. The first consideration in turning out
large plants is to choose the warmest and best sheltered spot the
grounds afford, for if placed in an exposed position the foliage
becomes torn and discoloured, and few things look worse in a
garden than plants with bare stems and ragged leaves. In the
modes of planting the subtropical beds submitted approved modes
of propagating the various plants are embodied.
i2o THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
BED No. i.
i. Ficus elastica.—This is a well-known favourite plant, and is
generally appreciated for indoor decoration, as it will grow and
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
121
atmosphere and dust have but little effect upon the plant's health.
But our purpose is to speak of it as a subtropical plant. The free
growth and nobleness of character peculiar to its habit entitles it
to be classed among the most useful decorative garden plants.
Plants can be increased either by cuttings or by eyes. Cuttings
will take root freely when the wood is firm—that is, in the autumn
(September and October) when the plants have done growing, or
early in spring before they begin to grow. At these times there is
no difficulty in striking them. After the cuttings are taken off
from the parent plant, and prepared by being cut close to a joint,
dip the wounded part in silver sand to stop the bleeding, let them
be laid out singly in a cool house for four days ; by this time the
wounded part will become dry. If inserted in a hotbed, or even
taken into a warm house at once, the cuttings will probably rot at
the base. Propagation from eyes is much the same as that
adopted in raising Vines—cutting-up the stem into lengths about
11 inch in length on each side of che bud, and afterwards drying
them, then insert singly in small pots, using light fibry loam with
plenty of silver sand ; a pinch of dry sand placed in the hole with
the cutting or eye will act as a styptic until the wounds are healed
and the roots emitted.
2. Coleus Baroness Rothschild.—Dark crimson leaves with a
yellow margin. A strong grower. Strike cuttings in March and
April. Pot them on, keeping them close to the glass ; stop them
when necessary to keep them bushy. The above to be used as a
carpet for the Ficus.
3. Sedum carneum variegatum.—This pretty Sedum makes a
very desirable little carpet plant. It is propagated in spring, when
every little bit will strike freely in warmth, making fine plants for
use in June and July.
4. Sempervivum californicum.—This is a close, neat, compact
plant, with dark green leaves tipped with chocolate. It is propa¬
gated by offsets, which it makes freely. It is quite hardy.
BED No. 2.
Eucalyptus globulus.—This is a quick-growing plant, of upright
habit and distinct aspect. The branches when young are of a
122 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
square form, and have a winged or feathered appearance, and they
as well as the young leaves are of a peculiar bluish white colour.
Seeds sown in the autumn produce the best plants for the summer
bedding.
2. Clematis Jackmani.—If the growths of this beautiful hardy
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
123
climber are trained over some twigs or sticks just above the
ground a splendid carpet is produced for the Eucalyptus.
3. Fuchsia Sunray.—The leaves of this variety are richly
marked with bright crimson, white, and green. Is has been much
admired in Hyde Park, where it was used as a third row, and
formed a very attractive feature among other decorative plants.
Cuttings struck in March will make good plants for bedding
purposes.
4. Tussilago Farfara variegata.—A variegated form of the
common Coltsfoot. Its large flat leaves when full grown are over
a foot in width. It is a most effective plant for edging pur poses,
especially for large beds and for distant effect. It is quite hardy,
and the smallest bit of root will make a plant. .Plants of this
Tussilago to be mixed with the Fuchsia.
5. Thymus citriodorus aureus marginatus.—The gold-and-
green foliage of this plant is quite charming, particularly in the
spring ; but if planted in too rich soil the foliage is apt to lose
its golden shade. Plants are easily propagated by cuttings, which
will root at any time through the year in a cold frame, or under a
hand-glass in summer.
BED NO. 3.
The beds submitted are, like others which have preceded them,
of flowing design and informal outline. Beds of this character are
particularly appropriate to the class of plants which are suggested
as suitable for imparting an ornamental appearance by their foliage
and habits. For such plants geometrically-shaped beds and plant¬
ing by mathematical rules are unsuitable. The plants possess a
free, and some of them almost a rugged growth, and to show them
to the best advantage the beds and mode of planting them must be
free too. The effect produced by subtropical plants in the London
parks is unquestionably enhanced by the shapeless, if I may use the
term, form of the beds, and the irregular lines of the plans of
planting. The following figures represent beds and the way in
which the plants have been successfully arranged.
1. Ferdinanda eminens.—This is one of the tallest and noblest
of subtropical plants with large effective leaves. In favourable
seasons the plant will attain the height of twelve feet, and is highly
124 THE ROYAL RARES AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
distinct and ornamental. In winter it requires a warm house. It
is propagated by seed in the autumn, or cuttings in spring.
2. Solanum marginatum.—Leaves and branches frosted white,
upright, and branching. It is easily increased by seed sown in_the
autumn, or cuttings in spring. This is to be planted with the
Ferdinanda eminens.
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
3. Coleus Her Majesty, crimson velvet.—This variety can be
planted without fear of its not growing well.
4. Veronica incana.—This plant is quite hardy, and makes a
capital edging. Divide it in the spring, the smallest bit will make
a plant. It is used in the London parks with good results in choice
arrangements.
BED No. 4.
1. Melianthus major (the Honey-Flower of the Cape).—This is
a hardy ornamental-foliage plant with handsome, distinct, pinnate
leaves, on somewhat woody stems from 4 to 6 feet in height.
It produces spikes of curious chocolate-brown flowers, from which
exudes saccharine matter of a deep purple colour, which perpet¬
ually dripping, attracts numbers of insects. It is propagated from
seed in autumn, or cuttings in spring.
2. Coleus Princess Royal.—To be used as a carpet; the leaves
are like crimson velvet, but far brighter and more beautiful.
3. Lonicera aureo-reticulata, or the Golden Honeysuckle.—
The foliage of this plant is distinctly variegated, the leaves being
smooth and bright green with the veins marked out with golden
yellow. The elegant slender stems, which are, when developed, of
a deep red colour, are slightly pubescent on their under surfaces,
which gives to the plant an elegant appearance. This climbing
plant when used as a carpet, soon covers the ground, and it is
singularly handsome. Propagate in spring for the bedding
season.
4. Stachys lanata.—This is a large woolly-leaved plant, hardy,
and easily propagated by seed or division, but seedlings are the
best, for the leaves grow much longer, and the plants are not so
apt to run to seed as cuttings or divisions.
125 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.
127
BED No. 5.
s. Caladium esculentum.—This is without doubt one of the
most striking subtropical plants in cultivation, and but few can be
found to equal it. When planted in a damp situation, or where it
can receive an abundance of moisture, which is essential to its full
development, its bold foliage is unique, and strikingly effective.
It is quite as hardy as the Canna, and can be preserved in the
128 THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OF LONDON.
same way. It is easy of propagation. I increase my stock by
cutting the tuber up in small pieces, each piece having an eye ;
I then insert them in any light soil, such as leaf soil or cocoa-nut
fibre, giving them a bottom heat of 750, and by doing this in the
spring, good plants are obtained for the summer decoration.
2. Gymnothrix latifolia.—This is one of the most ornamental
Grasses yet introduced into this country. It rivals the Pampas
Grass in gracefulness and in the pleasing light green colour of its
foliage. It was introduced by M. Lasseaux from Montevideo, and
has proved quite hardy in this country. It produces tufts 4 to 6 ft.
in height, composed of stout flowering stems, which throws out
leaves almost up to the panicles. The foliage droops from these
to the ground, and forms one of the most ornamental Grasses in
cultivation. It is increased by divisions and seeds. This plant
looks well when mixed with the Caladiums. It is now included
in the genus Pennisetum.
3. Lantanas.-—These plants are worthy of a place in any sub¬
tropical arrangement, especially when used as a carpet to any
large-foliage plant. They are equally effective if pegged down or
left to grow in their natural style. It is a good plan to plant three
or four sorts together, so that the flowers will form a splendid
mixture. Propagate in spring, giving them the same treatment as
Verbenas.
4. Verbena venosa.—This is a very old and much-neglected
plant, but one that deserves to be grown more freely than it is at
the present time. It has been used with great success in some of
the London parks, and I have no doubt will rise rapidly in favour
again. It is a stiff hardy perennial, growing from 9 to 18 inches
in height, producing from June until late in the autumn a profusion
of rich bluish-violet flowers. It is easily propagated by taking up
a few of the old plants in the autumn and laying them under any
soil till the spring arrives, when they will produce a quantity of
cuttings, and by treating them the same as other Verbenas, good
plants will be obtained for the summer bedding. A few of these
mixed with the Laptanas have a good effect.
5. Salvia tricolor (Sage).—This is a beautiful dwarf-growing
plant with white and scarlet variegation, and is really very striking.
It roots freely in a cold frame during the spring and summer
months, and is well adapted for an edging. ^
K
13° THE ROYAL PARKS AND GARDENS OR LONDON.
BED NO. 6.
1. Canna Bihorelli.—Dark foliage with orange-scarlet flowers.
2. C. Premice de Nice.—Green foliage, flowers canary colour.
3. C. Prince Imperial.—Green foliage, flowers bright scarlet.
Cannas have now become so popular and are so useful and orna¬
mental for summer decorative purposes that they have become in¬
dispensable, and as subtropical plants none are more effective ; for
not only are they ornamental in foliage, but they are now invaluable
on account of their flowers, which in some of the new varieties
nearly approach those of the Gladioli in form of spike and beauty
of colour. The plants are easily managed. If you wish to let
them remain outdoors all the winter you can do so with safety by
covering with fcoal ashes, cocoa-nut fibre, or any light kind of
covering, to protect the tubers from the severe frost, or you can
take them up, as they will keep quite as well in any cellar or out-
of-the-way place. If you want to increase your stock of plants
early in the spring, cut them up in small pieces with an eye to each
piece, place them in bottom heat, and as soon as they have started
to grow pot them, still keeping them in heat, when they will make
fine plants for the season, but when growing give the roots plenty
of pot room. In raising Cannas from seed sow in February or
March in light soil, place the pot or pan in a gentle bottom heat, and
when the plants have attained their second leaf pot them off singly
and grow on in moderate heat until established in 5 inch pots,
which they will be by the end of May or beginning of June. Plant
out in rich soil. Arrange the plants according to height of foliage
and colour of flower, for they are sure to be a complication of sorts,
as Cannas never come true to name. Most of them will bloom
before the frost nips them, and perhaps some of them will be
worth naming either from beauty of foliage or flower. So it will
be a useful as well as an interesting bed of Cannas, and it will
repay you for all the trouble you may have taken. But there is
one important point which I have left out—that is, in preparing
the seeds before sowing. Some recommend you to soak them to
soften their hard shells ; but you may adopt this plan without
success, for they will be as hard as ever ; but if you cut or file the
seed on one side right through to the embryo you will meet with
good results. The plant will then appear in five or six days, other-
SUBTROPICAL BEDDING.j
wise the seed may remain in the pots or pans for months, and
then be thrown away as being inferior.
4. Abutilon Thompsoni.—This is a distinct and pretty varie¬
gated shrub of a neat and erect habit, with small Vine-like or Maple¬
like leaves richly mottled or marbled with yellow. A useful and
effective plant for outdoor decoration. Propagate by cuttings in
spring.
5. Plumbago capensis.—This is one of the best plants for a
carpet under any tall-growing plant. Look around your stock of
plants in February or March ; pick out the best-shaped plants,
grow them on, taking care to stop them when about nine inches
high, afterwards place them in a cool frame or house, and by turn¬
ing out time they will be full of flower spikes, presenting a mass
of peculiar-coloured flowers until the chilly month of October. If
this plant is mixed with the Abutilon it has a good effect.
6. Tradescantia zebrina.—This is an old and neglected plant,
but one worthy of cultivation among any class of plants. It being
of a trailing habit is useful for any decorative purpose, and is a
conspicuous object among a collection of stove plants, especially
where there are any hanging baskets, the under surface as well
as the upper being of an interesting colour ; it is also very useful
for bedding purposes for edging of beds, margins, or lines. If
propagated in spring and hardened off by bedding-out time it will
stand the summer months well, especially where it is protected
from the scorching rays of the sun, or where it can obtain plenty
of moisture.