CHAPTER XLIX 



THE SUNKEN GARDEN 



EXTENDING directly west from the porch for 

 150 feet is an open pergola, of simple construc- 

 tion, but fast gaining beauty from the rapid 

 growth of climbers which Polly and Johnson 

 have planted. It is floored with brick for the 

 protection of dainty feet, and near the western 

 end cluster rustic benches, chairs, tables, and 

 such things as women and gardeners love. Fac- 

 ing the west 50 feet of this pergola is Polly's 

 sunken flower garden, which is her special 

 pride. It extends south 100 feet, and is built in 

 the side of the hill so that its eastern wall just 

 shows a coping above the close-cropped lawn. 

 Of course the western wall is much higher, as the 

 lawn slopes sharply ; but it was filled in so as to 

 make this wall-enclosed garden quite level. The 

 walls which rise above the flower beds 41 feet> 

 are beginning to look decorated, thanks to creep- 

 ing vines and other things which a cunning 

 gardener and Polly know. Flowers of all sorts 

 annuals, biennials (triennials, perhaps), and 

 perennials cover the beds, which are laid out 

 in strange, irregular fashion, far indeed from my 



