62 GARDENS : THEIR FORM AND DESIGN 



each tree is in position upon an appointed grey stone 

 slab, the meaning of the whole garden design is not made 

 clear. Yesterday the only height in the garden came from 

 the pale pink of the apple-blossom. This was beginning 

 to wane, and we wondered if it would look dull without it. 

 Now it is suddenly clear to us that height comes with 

 the orange and lemon trees, for we have their green 

 foliage above our heads ; and later, as the fruit ripens, it 

 will give us colour too. 



It is wonderful, apart from the trees that are in them, 

 how well the handsome pots look, mounted upon pedestals 

 of terra-cotta, in the very midst of flowers. We now can 

 see the doge's cap, papal arms, true lovers' knots, festoons, 

 wreaths, or the seven familiar Medici balls, whatever 

 loved emblem has been moulded on them. Flowers such 

 as delphiniums, lupins, and irises surround the curved 

 pale pink pedestals. The pots themselves make a pleasant 

 break in a long border of flowers, and the quiet restfulness 

 of dark green foliage above gives dignity to the garden. 



Why do not English garden-lovers throw aside all 

 scruples and venture upon some such fairy garden ? In 

 place of oranges and lemons, let there be clipped bay- 

 trees and Portugal laurels, or if topiary be out of place, 

 then have lilacs or hydrangeas growing in the handsome 

 pots. If such shrubs are not in favour, why not have 

 sunflowers and lilies, as we see them in old Renaissance 

 gardens, growing in large marble or pottery vases ? 

 Often the retaining wall of a terrace was outlined by 

 these, and from personal observation we know that irises 

 look well used in this way in the sunk garden near 

 Kensington Palace. Many are the fine colour effects 

 that can be attained, and above all is the advantage of 

 gaining height in our gardens. If only we can study this 

 point we shall achieve somewhat of the buoyancy and 

 vivacity of foreign garden design. 



