CHAPTER VII 



ROSE PILLARS 



A pillar in garden phrase is rather an elastic term, 

 for though a Rose pillar pure and simple is what it 

 seems to be — that is to say, a Rose grown to a certain 

 height in upright shape — there are other developments 

 of the form that are commonly accepted as of the 

 pillar family, and may be conveniently described 

 under the same title. The foundation of the pillar 

 proper is generally a post of larch or oak or a 

 narrow upright iron framework. A Rose is chosen 

 whose height and natural way of growth is suitable, 

 and it is trained and encouraged to grow so that it 

 will show a column of bloom over the greater part 

 of its surface, and so as not to be too leggy at the 

 bottom. A perspective of Rose pillars is a charming 

 feature in a garden, and one of the ways in which 

 their beauty may be best enjoyed. They should be 

 so placed that one can go right up to them and see 

 the Roses at eye level and below it and also against 

 the sky, and smell their sweet scent in perfect comfort 

 as they grow. The posts may either stand quite free, 

 or, for the better showing of the rambling Roses, be 

 connected by a chain that hangs in easy festoons. 



Another form of pillar is of greater width, when 

 either three or four posts are planted in group, or a 



