136 GARDENS: T^EIR FORM AND DESIGN 



ledges can be fixed by means of cement, and upon these 

 small rock-plants can be planted inearth (Fig. 87). This 

 possibility has been suggested in the chapter on Suburban 

 Gardens, for it is chiefly in small gardens, where space 

 is limited, that such an idea is carried out. 



There are sometimes ruins near a large house, and 

 then it adds to their beauty if fine creepers 

 are grown on them. Should it happen to 

 be the wall of a castle keep, startling and 

 garish colours are to be avoided. For 

 instance, rambler roses, ivy-leaf geranium, 

 or any strongly coloured flowers do not 

 harmonize with old buildings, while dark 

 mauve clematis or passion flower will tone 

 in restfully with quiet grey walls. Some- 

 thing sombre and reposeful is needed ; 

 Fig, 87.' with this a touch of yellow snapdragon, 

 Corydalis capnoides, or even the small white 

 sandwort, will look best, and the little fern, wall rue. 

 Amongst wallflowers we may choose Cheiranthus alpinus, 

 C. mutabilis, and C Marshalli. 



Gardens which have fine walls are specially blessed. 

 Not only are they useful for profitable things like fruit, 

 but where they are of architectural beauty and need only 

 careful and restrained decoration, lovely creepers, especi- 

 ally some of the rather uncommon ones, look well in 

 themselves, and help to enhance the appearance of the 

 brickwork. 



It is always useful to note any happy effects of colour 

 or position, because they can be utilized in different 

 gardens ; for instance, Aristolochia sipho does well on a 

 wall facing east. Then, again, what delightful plants 

 can be arranged in groups at the foot of a wall ! They 

 have shelter and protection, for, next to sunlight, plants 

 love best freedom from draughts and cold freezing winds ; 



