CHAP. V VILLA GARDENING 33 



can be made so ; and amid these groups of Americans might be 

 planted the Californian and other Lilies, not forgetting Auratum, 

 which flourishes well among low-growing shrubs, these affording just 

 the conditions as to shelter that the Lilies require. A few of the 

 Biotas and other low-growing conifers will add to the appearance 

 of the rockery, and colour may be given by using some of the many 

 species which have gold and silver hues upon their foliage. The 

 berry -bearing plants will appropriately find a home among the 

 alpiues ; the Mountain Ash, some of the Aucubas, the Pernettyas, 

 Skimmias, and the small Euonymus, which bear berries so freely, 

 will add warmth and colour at a time when flowers are scarce. 

 Some of the recently introduced Japanese Maples, with their ele- 

 gantly-cut foliage, will give character to the fernery. The Aralias 

 and some of the graceful-habited Sumaclis might be added. In 

 elevated positions, where the natural soil is of a stony or rocky 

 character, it is better in designing the garden to take a hint from 

 Nature, and plant those things only which the place is naturally 

 adapted to support with the best advantage. This idea will refer to 

 many places near the sea coast, or in mountainous or hilly districts 

 everywhere. We all know how charming variety is ; but amid a 

 scene beautified by alpine shrubs and flowers, with climbing and 

 creeping plants draping bare surfoces of cliff" or bank, and Ferns in 

 endless variety in the shady nooks and corners, there should be no 

 wearisome monotony. On the contrary, all will be bright and fresh 

 amid the ever-changing progress of plant growth. In my view 

 such a spot, arranged in a simple, natural manner, is capable of 

 aft'ording a great deal of pleasm-e without causing much outlay in 

 the first instance or afterwards. 



CHAPTER V 



Seaside Planting. — In seaside gardening the first and most 

 important thing is shelter from the force of the fierce sea blast, 

 and fortunately there are trees and shrubs in sutticient numbers for 

 all purposes. The experienced planter finds no difficulty in making 

 a selection for any position he may be called upon to plant. The 

 first thing to be done is thoroughly to prepare the site by trenching 

 and deepening the soil. It often happens that in such positions the 

 soil is shallow and inferior, and, if possible, this should be deepened 

 and improved. In making alterations it may be possible, by a 

 little variation of surface, to deepen the side of the garden that is 

 most exposed, or to raise a mound against the wind. When this 



D 



