A JAPANESE GARDEN IN ENGLAND. 



9 



also a Japanese plant, but not hardy with us ; we use it, however, in the 

 summer. 



Summer-house. — Last year we erected a summer-house somewhat 

 after the Japanese style. It is rectangular in shape and built of bamboo 

 only with the one exception of the roof, which is thatched with leaves of 

 Cocos Yatai (syn. C. Bonnetti *), which came over from Japan as packing 

 material. The sides were formed of erect rods of Phyllostachys nigra 

 of varied heights, graduated so as to form semicircles with an opening on 

 one side only. Thus far no seats have been arranged for. I should add 

 that all the fixing is done by wire, covered afterwards with cane, the main 

 pieces being pegged to give greater stability. Situated amidst bamboos 

 and acers it produces a good effect. 



Japanese Lanterns. — There are two Japanese lanterns of different 

 design, both being wrought out of granite of the heaviest and hardest 

 description ; both these came from Japan, being there known under 

 Japanese names to distinguish the style. We have not had occasion to 

 place lights in these lanterns, but I can imagine the effect being somewhat 

 weird. Their appearance, however, adds certainly to the general effect. 

 In fixing them it is safer to have a solid base to keep them from getting 

 out of the perpendicular ; otherwise, if tall, they might topple over. In 

 every design of a Japanese garden these lanterns appear, almost without 

 an exception, and frequently at the base or near thereto is seen a plant 

 or more of Bhodea jaioonica, which appears to be as indispensable as the 

 lantern itself. 



A Bamboo Bridge. — Having an opportunity, we introduced a bridge 

 to span part of the water. This is made of a framework of bamboo 

 strengthened with T-iron through the two large canes that bear the weight. 

 This also is tied with stout wire, afterwards being covered with large 

 or rather broad lengths of cane. It adds to the effect from a distance. 

 I alluded to the water supply which also is an adaptation of the method 

 in use by the Japanese. It answers its purpose well and may fairly be 

 termed a Japanese pump. By having a steady inlet of water at all times, 

 both in winter and summer, the water in the pools is kept much fresher 

 than it would otherwise be and is rarely ever frozen. 



The planting of our Japanese 'garden, i.e. as regards the hardy or 

 permanent plants, was done in the spring of 1901. The bamboos and 

 palms were planted by May 10, these about completing the planting. By 

 almost constant attention to watering during the hot weather of the early 

 summer of that year a very rapid growth was made, and by the autumn 

 the garden was well furnished. No protection has been given to the 

 plants, and so far we have lost very few. 



Of tender plants of Japanese origin some are used, as Bhapis flahelli- 

 formis, Cocos Yatai, and Phoenix tenuis (the last named being an 

 intruder). Chamaerops humilis stands exposure well, but it cannot be 

 deemed quite hardy. For a screen some tall plants of Dracaena {Cordy- 

 line) australis are employed to hide a high wall. With these rather 

 tender plants some variations in arrangement are possible from year 

 to year. 



* Known also as Cocos australis. 



