it is. This makes the entire extent of the gardens, at the present time, one hundred acres, kept in th 

 highest condition. All the designs for the beds and flowers are by Lady Middleton. 



At a short distance from the Swiss cottage is the Verbena garden, in which are planted those kinds 

 not used in other arrangements. Beside this garden is the Box terrace, forming a beautiful scroll pattern laid 

 down on a smooth surface of fine sand of a reddish tint, completely in the parterre style of the French. 

 The interior is planted with very dwarf flowers — as Silene Schafti, dwarf French Marygold, Lobelia 

 ramosa, &c. 



The whole of the retaining and dividing wall is surmounted with a stone balustrading, in the same style 

 as the mansion, pavilion, and loggia, all of which are from the designs of Sir C. Barry. Hence 

 there is a harmony between the several parts rarely met with, which does credit to the admirable 

 taste and judgment of Sir William Middleton. In addition to the Italian features of the entire place, 

 a great number of busts, vases, and statues are disposed throughout the grounds in appropriate positions. 

 These greatly assist in forming the peculiar tone of Italian scenery so characteristic of Shrubland. 



Mr Foggo, the present head-gardener, informs us that 80,000 plants of Geraniums, Verbenas 

 Petunias, Lobelias, &c, &c, are annually required for turning out into the numerous beds, borders, 

 vases, &c, and this independently of annuals, &c, raised from seed, which are likewise worked into the 

 general arrangement. To procure annually such a large number of plants, and to arrange 



each to the several compartments for flowering, requires a large amount of care and forethought. Both 

 Sir William and Lady Middleton are deeply interested in all that is going on, and provide liberal 

 help to keep the whole in the highest order of neatness ; and to maintain so large and brilliant a 

 display of bloom throughout the season, large reserves are always ready to fill up vacancies and 

 preserve uninterrupted the display. 



Mr Foggo is very successful in meeting the requirements of so large an undertaking, and 

 maintains the high character Shrubland has enjoyed for many years as one of the best kept gardens 

 in the country. 



