368 



JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 



[ October 26, 1876. 



expressions do not harmonise (the flowers in the foreground 

 derogate from the expression of the trees), and their dis- 

 cordancy ought to prevent their being planted together. 



If trees and shrubs or shrubs and flowers are to be exhibited 

 on the same lawn they will always be most effective when 

 displayed in separate beds, the trees being planted in the 

 background or point most distant from the eye, the shrubs in 

 the mid-distance, with the flower beds in the foreground, 

 grouping each by themselves. In this manner the incon- 

 sistency of mixing trees and shrubs together would be avoided. 

 Another very desirable mode of introducing beds and borders 

 of flowers is to enclose an open space with shrubs. Evergreens 

 are generally chosen of such a kind as naturally grow compact 

 or that admit of being cut into shape. It is considered that 

 dark and shining foliage, as that of the Tew, Holly, Laurel, 

 and Rhododendron, form the best of foils to masses of colour. 

 It would be absurd to form an outline of coloured-leaved shrubs 

 in accord with the colours of the flower beds, and equally 

 absurd would be an outline to such a garden of flowering 

 shrubs, for the latter would derogate from the beauty of the 

 principal object in view. As to the form of the outline or 

 screen, if the outline of the beds for flowers be scrolls — regular, 

 or symmetrical, or geometrical — the outline of the shrubs will 

 best accord by being kept formal and regular ; but if the beds 

 are of irregular forms at irregular distances, the shrubs sur- 

 rounding must be allowed to assume more of their natural 

 forms. 



It does not of necessity follow that we must not employ 

 evergreens with deciduous trees. Naturally we have Ivy, 

 Holly, and Spurge Laurel, springing up simultaneously with 

 deciduous trees in our own country. This kind of under- 

 growth we may, in either evergreen or deciduous shrubs, imi- 

 tate ; but the trees should predominate. We must not, how- 

 ever, plant trees and shrubs together with a view to exhibit 

 them in the fullest excellence. If we introduce evergreens 

 at all we must make choice of such as thrive fairly in the 

 shade, and to effect this it is important that the shrubs and 

 trees are planted at the same time, so that they may grow up 

 together. When this is attended to there will not be any 

 difficulty in securing an undergrowth of evergreens ; but when 

 it is neglected there is much difficulty, from the pre-occupation 

 of the soil by the roots of the trees, in establishing shrubs be- 

 neath them. 



In the arrangement of trees and shrubs the trees should be 

 at the point most distant from the eye, whether they be ever- 

 green or deciduous ; and if we must of necessity employ both 

 in the same arrangement, I should plant the most light, orna- 

 mental, and flowering Bhrubs where they would just be .seen 

 amongst and through the interstices of the evergreens, in 

 such a way as to display their foliage and flowers to the eye 

 of the spectator. Evergreens as a rule should preponderate 

 near the residence, and by judiciously employing variegated 

 kinds much would be added in giving variety, especially in 

 winter. I do not mean that the mansion should be encased 

 by evergreens as were monasteries by Tews, but employing 

 such as are of low growth, so as not to interfere with the 

 architectural effect, when they are seen at a distance, in con- 

 nection with the building ; and I Bhould employ principally 

 evergreens in what may be termed the boundary of the lawn, 

 and keep that as open as practicable, for upon the distinctness 

 of the foreground will depend the beauty of the objects beyond. 

 Upon the lawn should be no closely-planted masses, and few 

 "isolated trees or shrubs, as they tend to diminish the apparent 

 space from every point of view. 



In the foreground of course will be flowers, but I have said 

 so much upon this subject that I will not again at present 

 allude to it, only to remark that in small gardens, where it 

 is desirable to include something of everything, flowers must 

 necessarily be admitted and made the most of. 



I now come to the want of variety, which is occasioned 

 mainly by the occupation of so much space by commonplace 

 subjects as Laurel, Holly, &c. Most pleasure grounds are 

 repetitions with a vengeance, and I would advise the thinning- 

 out of these shrubs considerably, leaving only the best speci- 

 mens, and introducing in their stead more ornamental sub- 

 jects, which would be more in accordance with the views 

 before expressed and the advanced stage of gardening. Almost 

 anything would be better than the tangled condition presented 

 by the trees and shrubs forming a majority of shrubberies. 

 It may gratify to see trees and shrubs struggling for mastery, 

 but it does not constitute the beauty resulting from their sub- 

 jection to culture, whereby we bring out the beauty of the 



individual tree or shrub, and at the same time enhanoing 

 the general effect. — G. Abbey. 



KENSINGTON GAKDENS. 



This beautiful place of public resort is 250 acres in extent, 

 and is pre-eminently favoured by being the chosen resort of 

 rank and fashion. Kensington Gardens are surrounded with 

 wealth and luxury, and are the centre of a fashionable quarter 

 of the metropolis. The mighty power of money is evidenced 

 on all sides in the magnificent mansions which have risen 

 during the last few years, where only a Bhort time previously 

 were fields and market gardens. The change has been from 

 comparative insignificance into affluence and fame ; but the 

 Gardens seem to present nearly the same general features now 

 that they did when surrounded by market gardens, and were 

 then, as now, remarkable for the splendid old trees which are 

 to be seen in all parts ; and judging from the healthy young 

 trees which may be seen growing, and the great ability dis- 

 played in the planting of them, there will be no lack of shade 

 for generations to come, for here we have beautiful avenues, 

 groves, and glades among young trees growing every year into 

 beauty. 



The fine lines of young trees that form the avenues running 

 from the round pond to the east, north-east, and south-east 

 were planted by the late Mr. Mann forty-six years ago. The 

 old trees had then been decaying for some years, making gaps 

 that young trees could not fill ; and as there was space sufficient 

 to admit a line of young trees being planted in front of the old 

 this was done, and the result is that there are groves of half- 

 grown and flourishing trees, the older and taller trees in the 

 rear towering above them, and blending their foliage with them 

 in a very pleasing manner. The ornamental effect of their 

 association is greatly enhanced in the autumn, for the old 

 trees change colour before the young trees, bringing out with 

 marked distinctness the variety of foliage-tints and clear out- 

 line of forms. It is said that in a grove or an avenue the same 

 object is seen from beginning to end. Granted, but here is a 

 perpetual change, for here are groves of Limes and avenues of 

 Elms ; in fact they meet and cross each other in all directions, 

 and there are also groves of Chestnuts, Hornbeams, Planes, 

 and Beeches. These' have a simple and grand effect without 

 any Bameness or even formality. In the spring time there is 

 something very charming in these rows of trees ; every line 

 has its peculiar tint of green, which is soft, fresh, and delicate, 

 and they are very enjoyable especially early in the morning. 

 Nature's works are more beautiful at daybreak than at any 

 other time, when the glittering dewdrops are Btill freBh upon 

 the leaves, and the muBic of birdB around you singing sweet 

 Bongs of welcome to the opening day ; and assuredly you may 

 catch a wafting of flowery perfume, for the murky vapour 

 emitted from Burrounding chimneys cannot hinder the trees 

 from growing, the birds from singing, nor the flowers from 

 blooming. 



There are many pleasant walks and promenades to be found 

 in these Gardens. From the high road, Kensington, to the 

 high road, Bayswater, is a gravel walk 60 feet in width, and on 

 each side are stately old Elm trees in excellent health. The 

 banks of the Serpentine in these gardens, popularly spoken of 

 as the Long Water, have been much improved by the planting 

 of ornamental trees, shrubB, beds of Rhododendrons, and 

 flowers ; also good gravel walks have been made leading to the 

 fountains, which materially enhance the beauty of the place. 

 The water forced into the air assumes a variety of beautiful 

 forms, which, added to itB clearness and its familiar sounds, is 

 very refreshing on a hot summer's day. North-east from this 

 point the Gardens are very picturesque. There is that pleaBing 

 variety of outline for which scenes in nature are eminently 

 distinguished ; there is also a natural disposition of trees and 

 shrubs, with ornamental waters, serpentine walks, plantations, 

 and avenues, so associated as to form an harmonious whole. 

 At this part of the Gardens there are some massive old trees, 

 one of the most picturesque is a Wych Elm. Its knotty trunk 

 is about 6 feet in diameter. Its foliage, though massive and 

 thick, never appears heavy to the eye, owing to the lightness of 

 the spray and the loose free manner in which the leaves adhere 

 to the branches. This part is also adorned by a most beautiful 

 specimen of the Horse CheBtnut ; it is standing alone, and has 

 expanded its branches over a large extent of ground, forming 

 a charming summer shelter ; there are also many fine Beeches. 

 The Beech attains to a great magnitude when standing alone, 

 and exhibits the appearance of a round-headed and spreading 



