126 GARDENS OF ENGLAND 



I have enjoyed many hours among the water- 

 lilies, and rejoice that the culture of water flowers 

 is increasing. Water gardening has drawn aside 

 the veil hiding the wonderful richness of groups 

 of flowers unknown almost in English gardens, 

 and the race of hybrid nymphseas of which I have 

 already written has deepened this love for a 

 fascinating pursuit. There is nothing diflicult 

 about making a water garden ; the plants for the 

 most part run riot in the moist soil by the water, 

 and the nymphaeas are as vigorous as the arrow- 

 head that sends up its spike by the margin. 



It is not necessary to have a large expanse of 

 water — broad lakes, rippling streams, or quiet back 

 waters, as in gardens of moderate size pretty 

 pictures may be formed with a careful choipe of 

 plants. That is the point — to choose the most 

 beautiful flowers, and to let each reveal its true 

 nature, which is not possible when hosts of things 

 are crowded together as if it were meritorious to 

 make a mere collection. A quiet sheltered pond 

 or lake, screened from harsh winds, and not too 

 large, is advisable, but one must of course adapt 

 oneself to circumstances. When the expanse of 

 water is not large, the flowers — the nymphaeas in 

 particular — are more under control, rats and water- 



