The Valley of Virginia 



in bloom. Its stamens and pistils were pure white. I carried many 

 things to Annefield — cowslips, violets, snowdrops, daffodils, and 

 dwarf iris — from Hickory Hill, and such growth I never imag- 

 ined," Mrs. Renshaw planted the box-hedge on the front of the 

 garden. She introduced many perennials and the old hundred-leaf 

 rose. 



In 1900, the estate passed into the hands of Edward G. Butler, 

 and, as good fortune would have it, Mrs. Butler was an enthusiastic 

 garden lover, so the work of development and improvement was 

 carried on. At the end of the main walk, a hedge of white lilacs, 

 extending back to an orchard of small fruits, was planted on both 

 sides. This hedge is now bordered by purple iris. The main 

 walks she edged with boxwood and to the already fine collection 

 she added numerous bulbs, peonies, and Japanese anemones. A 

 small fountain, surrounded by native ferns, a bird bath, and an old 

 sun-dial were next placed in the garden. 



The rose reigned as Queen of Annefield and many new beds 

 were laid out under the direction of Mrs. Butler. Records of the 

 first bloom in her garden in 1909 show that the Gruss an Teplitz 

 was the earliest; May 22nd, old hundred-leaf; May 29th, Paul 

 Neyron; May 29th, Frau Karl Druschki, and May 30th, Mrs. 

 John Lang. 



The approaches to the garden were developed by Mrs. Butler 

 and many new shrubs planted. On one side, the hardy hydrangea 

 bloomed at the same time as the crimson rambler, which was trained 

 over the end of the old laundry and presented a beautiful effect. 

 On the opposite side, bridal wreath spirea was massed against 

 the kitchen most charmingly. 



In 1 92 1, William Bell Watkins became the owner of Annefield, 

 and Mrs. Watkins is taking a keen interest in maintaining the 

 old garden. 



We often think we are planting flowers and roses for our own 

 enjoyment, but how true are the sentiments in the poem : 



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