SANDRINGHAM 131 



for the display. Annuals are largely employed, particularly 

 in the front of the borders. Bold irregular groups of An- 

 tirrhinums, Phlox Drummondii, Scabiosa, Zinnias, Asters, 

 Mignonette, East Lothian and Ten-week Stocks, Dimor- 

 photheca hybrids, Arctotis and towards the back, tall branch- 

 ing Larkspurs, Lavatera rosea, Malopes, Sweet Peas and 

 Sunflowers are associated with and in many instances take 

 the place of early flowering Herbaceous plants ; the aim 

 being to provide as continuous a show of flowers over as 

 long a period as possible. The foregoing are raised in heat, 

 transplanted into frames and finally planted out in May. 

 As it is desired to show no bare ground, close planting 

 is resorted to, but with due regard to the full development 

 of individual plants. Throughout the borders monotony i& 

 avoided by planting groups contrasting in height as well as 

 in colour. Early staking, before the plants become knocked 

 about by the wind, is done, and always so contrived as to 

 prevent the stakes being obtrusive. In a season like the 

 summer of 191 1, deep cultivation proved its value; but in 

 addition, frequent watering was necessary. This was ap- 

 plied by hose-pipe in the evenings, the water being obtained 

 from a supply laid on when the borders were made. These 

 are a few of the many items observed in providing the satis- 

 factory results obtained in Herbaceous and mixed borders at 

 Sandringham. 



The Dell. — Water always enhances the beauty of a land- 

 scape. At Sandringham there are two lakes as well as 

 three ornamental pools and a winding stream, all of which 

 add very considerably to its charm. One of the most pic- 

 turesque spots here is " The Dell," an exquisite and cool 

 retreat where the sound of trickling water, as it enters the 

 grounds from the park beyond, may be heard. The little 

 stream falls into a shallow pool, the secluded bathing-place of 

 numerous feathered songsters with which the surrounding 

 woods abound. The banks rise sharply on either side, and a 

 narrow path leads down to some stepping-stones dividing the 



