ITALIAN VINEYARDS 239 



carpet under the trees is even more easily accomplished 

 than the tree and creeper planting, for here either 

 vegetables will grow, such as carrots, globe artichokes, 

 and the homely cabbage, or there may be a flower-garden 

 orchard and no more. Cover the ground with bold, 

 irregular groups of myosotis, yellow alyssum, mauve and 

 blue aubrietia, periwinkle, stachys, cerastium, pansies ; 

 put in between plenty of narcissus, tulips, and Spanish 

 irises. Have sheets of other irises, bold groups of 

 Michaelmas daisies and helianthus for autumn, and so 

 endeavour to cover all the earth with green. From these 

 many flowers we obtain colour at different seasons. Not 

 only will this look well and hide the bare earth, but these 

 strong plants will join together and leave no room for 

 weeds, and an occasional hoeing and the regular picking 

 of flowers are all that will be necessary. 



It may be suggested that excavating these terraces, 

 adding good soil, and banking up the rough stone walls is 

 a costly business. It will certainly be found advisable in 

 a chalk district to call in the help of three or four strong 

 chalk-pit workers for some weeks ; but, if directions are 

 clearly given to them and they become interested in the 

 work, it will be very quickly and satisfactorily completed. 

 Spud, the gardener, will only take things again under his 

 command when the terraces are finished and planting has 

 to be done. 



Other work for the chalk-pit men will be to put up 

 pergolas for shade where the grass walks are, and to 

 erect arbours or loggias for the many creepers to romp 

 over. A large number of tall rounded or square posts 

 are easily obtained. When their ends are tarred, put them 

 two feet deep in the ground, and around them ram in hard 

 any big stones that are to be had. For cross pieces, bean- 

 sticks may be used ; or creosoted square-mesh wooden 

 trellis will give a neat appearance. 



