I04 Villa Gardens 



prefer labels of a less conspicuous kind, as 

 described hereunder. 



Another form of stake that is far from un- 

 sightly is the natural sapling. I generally 

 obtain a sufficient quantity from my pea sticks, 

 after I have cut off the smaller wood for its 

 legitimate purpose. 



If the thick ends be partly charred, they will 

 be less liable to rot in the soil. 



Natural stakes of this kind may be used with 

 good effect to support a Clematis or other 

 climbing plant, if stout enough, and they never 

 seem out of place in the garden. 



The label is often more assertive than it 

 need be. The white painted pine labels most 

 commonly used have cheapness to recommend 

 them, and if repainted lead colour thickly on 

 both sides would be tolerable and fairly durable, 

 but as sold they stare down the flowers and rot 

 in a season. 



For the herbaceous border a zinc label is 

 better. 



The name may be permanently etched on its 

 surface by the simple plan of coating it with 



