THE ORCHARD GARDEN 87 



and allowed to seed and increase without interference. 

 This particular orchard garden owed much of its beauty 

 to the presence of the stream, whose sides were planted 

 with semi-aquatics ; Irises were a special feature, and if 

 the conditions were not altogether ideal they thrived 

 reasonably well and were a source of much enjoyment. 



Of course where plants other than bulbs are grown 

 in the orchard, it becomes impossible to allow stock 

 for grazing purposes. Even poultry must be excluded, 

 and in this way no doubt we lose some slight benefit 

 in the way of fertility. But against this it must be 

 remembered that both animals and fowls are apt to do 

 an immense amount of harm among fruit trees ; calves 

 and sheep are for ever gnawing the bark and rubbing 

 themselves against the stems, whilst poultry scratch the 

 soil from above the roots, break the lower branches by 

 perching upon them, and pick holes in any fruits within 

 their reach. The use of artificials, now both cheap and 

 efficacious, will keep up the store of plant food, and 

 much good may be done by spreading the grass 

 mowings above the tree roots in the form of a summer 

 mulch. Needless to say, regular pathways are not 

 required in the garden orchard, though, if desired, grass 

 tracks may be cut in various directions to enable a visit 

 without discomfort after rain. 



The other orchard to which I have made reference 

 was very different in character, and as it was situated 

 on perfectly level ground, and the trees were all freshly 

 planted and had not taken on the gnarled and picturesque 

 appearance of age, it lacked the charm of the hillside 

 garden. Still it was delightful, and in course of time 

 will become more so. When the trees were first planted 

 the turf was entirely stripped from the field so that the 

 ground could be better prepared. It was not until they 

 had stood for three seasons, and the orchard hedge 

 (Holly) had grown somewhat, that the idea occurred 



