FORMATION OF A TOPIARY GARDEN 43 



thing of this description is altogether out of keeping 

 with the general features of a Topiary garden. There 

 may be a slight objection to box edging on account of 

 the difficulty of getting it to grow well in certain soils. 

 Generally speaking, I have never had the slightest 

 difficulty in getting it to flourish and remain in a healthy 

 condition, provided it gets proper treatment. I have 

 some boxwood at Levens which has not been relaid for 

 nearly, if not quite, a hundred years ; and yet it is in a 

 strong, healthy state. 



When the portion of the garden intended to be 

 devoted to Topiary gardening has been laid out, attention 

 should be given to the other portion of the grounds ; 

 and, as none of the old formal gardens were considered 

 to be complete without a bowling-green and hedges of 

 yew, horn-beam, or holly, a bowling-green should be 

 made and then enclosed by one or another of these 

 species of hedge. 



Any additional space not required for lawns or 

 terraces should be made into fruit and vegetable 

 quarters. If it can be found convenient to have the 

 vegetable garden separate from the other, so much the 

 better ; as any space not absolutely required may then 

 be utilised for fruit trees only. Old apple trees, with 

 their gnarled stems and branches, with here and there a 

 branch of mistletoe hanging among them, are picturesque 

 objects enough among any surroundings. 



In the grounds, as well as in the garden, grass walks 

 should predominate between the hedges, and in the 

 quarters devoted to fruit trees and vegetables. Indeed, 

 wherever a path or walk is necessary, it should be 

 grassed, if possible. 



