

ORNAMENTAL GARDENS 205 



together at the same moment this year, and, al- 

 though cold nights have retarded them and made 

 the suspense of waiting rather tantalising, yet we 

 have benefited by having, condensed into a few 

 very perfect days, the pleasures that belong usually 

 to many weeks. Spring, this year, reminds one 

 of what occurs habitually in Italy when the rigour 

 of winter holds back expansion, and then suddenly 

 tulips, roses, lilies flock into being side by side. 



Each year, new ornamental gardens are made 

 in order to show how easily designs can be evolved, 

 and the latest addition is a " trench garden " 

 which, in its present austerity, seeks to recall the 

 passer-by from happy dreams of spring in heaven 

 to the war-reality of the moment. 



Upon a high, wide bank facing south are planted 

 rosy-pink-flowering currant bushes. They stand 

 as if protecting and watching over a small, brick- 

 floored, level garden below, in the centre of which 

 is an oblong tank where water-lilies grow. Their 

 shining leaves, floating above the water, are the 

 sun-warmed sleeping-place of friendly frogs, who 

 rest there until evening comes and then hop busily 

 round the garden to the great delight of Timothy, 

 the fox terrier. 



For some time past I have been in search of an 

 overshadowed nook into which I could steal for 

 quiet thought and work, far removed from the 

 voices of gardeners. The ideal spot that I had in 

 mind was one surrounded by activity, but from 

 which no movement could be seen. It is never 

 disturbing to hear in the distance the regularity of 

 sound that comes from the use of a spade or pick ; 



