CHAPTER VII 



ROSE PILLARS 



A PILLAR in garden phrase is rather an elastic term, 



for though a Rose pillar pure and simple is what it 



seems to be — that is to say, a Rose grown to a certain 



height in upright shape — there are other developments 



of the form that are commonly accepted as of the 



pillar family, and may be conveniently described 



under the same title. The foundation of the pillar 



proper is generally a post of larch or oak or a 



narrow upright iron framework. A Rose is chosen 



whose height and natural way of growth is suitable, 



and it is trained and encouraged to grow so that it 



will show a column of bloom over the greater part 



of its surface, and so as not to be too leggy at the 



bottom. A perspective of Rose pillars is a charming 



feature in a garden, and one of the ways in which 



their beauty may be best enjoyed. They should be 



so placed that one can go right up to them and see 



the Roses at eye level and below it and also against 



the sky, and smell their sweet scent in perfect comfort 



as they grow. The posts may either stand quite free, 



or, for the better showing of the rambling Roses, be 



connected by a chain that hangs in easy festoons. 



Another form of pillar is of greater width, when 



either three or four posts are planted in group, or a 



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