FORMAL GARDENS 19 



emancipated of the fine arts. It has more of the material than the 

 others. Stone does not suggest growth; vegetation does; and 

 growth suggests character. A garden without vines is like a house 

 where affection does not dwell. It is impossible to make a garden 

 breathe a warm, tender spirit without luxuriance. (See plate 9.) 

 But I believe we make a great mistake in mixing all the different 

 types of vegetation. Let us consider what type of vegetation 

 shall be dominant. 



Shall trimmed trees be dominant? (See plate 10.) No. 

 Let Levens Hall preserve its perfect specimens of topiary work, 

 but let us trim no box or other evergreens into geometrical forms 

 or shapes of birds, beasts, or men. The idea is trivial even 

 grotesque. We may use the simplest forms globe, pyramid, 

 and column when there is a good reason, but sparingly. The 

 best reason is to relieve flatness in a garden where flowers are 

 to be dominant. Then your bay trees in tubs are justified, for 

 they give height without harming the flowers by taking away 

 sunlight or food. But a whole garden of trimmed conifers, 

 even one with the simplicity of the Hunnewell garden, is artificial. 

 Trimming is a mean way to show mastery over, nature. A nobler 

 way is exemplified by the avenue of yews at Hampton Court, 

 where the trees are natural pyramids but not too perfect ones. 

 If we need a columnar tree, we should not long for the Italian 

 cypress, but plant our own red cedar and never trim it. 



Shall bedding plants be dominant? (See plate 10.) Not 

 in a private place. Leave that style of gardening to public squares 

 in cities. The shearing of coleus and other plants with gaudily 

 coloured foliage is the lowest type of gardening because there is 

 no blossoming nothing to symbolize the growth and efflores- 

 cence of character. A few beds of geraniums, heliotrope, or other 



