370 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



is nothing looks so beautiful in woodland as Ferns. Both for them 

 and for the flowers the wood must not be too dense or too dark. 

 It must be essentially a thin wood. In light soils the Ferns wiU, 

 in a hot dry summer, want watering once in three weeks, giving 

 a big plant a gallon at a time and a sm^all plant half a gallon, but 

 they are well worth it." 



What I admired so much in Mr. Wilks's garden was the way in 

 which all the garden blended in one harmonious whole. In the 

 distance and under the shelter of the eastern screen of trees were the 

 orchard trees — Apples, Pears, and Plums. When in flower these could 

 be nearly all seen from the house itself, and thus add to the beauty 

 of the garden. Quite in the distance I noted a fine row of Scarlet 

 Runners, which added greatly to the effect. Mr. Wilks, I may add, is 

 a most enthusiastic gardener, practical to a degree. In gardening he 

 finds the relaxation and delight so essential to a very busy man. 



The garden at East Burnham Park, near Slough — the country 

 residence of Sir Harry J, Veitch, F.L.S., V.M.H., affords another 

 excellent example of fitting in a garden with the surroundings, taking 

 every advantage of the well-grown oaks and other trees. Around 

 the house itself there is an approach to formality, it is true, but as 

 one gradually leaves that behind and arrives at the Wild Garden 

 everything is quite informal, and the utmost use is made of the wood- 

 land adjoining. In an open spot are collections of fine foliage plants 

 with some small pools in the foreground, with appropriate water 

 plants, and stepping-stones across and between the pools. On one 

 side are the relics of an old pathway, made with small paving-stones, 

 amongst which are to be seen various dwarf, close-growing plants, 

 Stonecrops and the like. This is quite unlike any arrangement I have 

 ever seen, in every way most picturesque and charming. In the 

 woods are to be seen Bamboos and other plants which thrive in the 

 shade, with the walks quite informal and of such material as can be 

 easily kept clean — thus the one essential of inexpensive maintenance 

 is followed (fig. 92). 



Informal Gardens and Old Mansions. — Quite in contrast to many 

 gardens is that of the Lady DuCane at Mountains, Witham, Essex. 

 One, as a rule, associates formal gardens with such houses as hers. 

 This is, however, quite an exception to that rule. I never see, 

 nor have I heard of, a more informal garden than this, or one that 

 is more charming and picturesque. I have had the pleasure of seeing 

 it in various aspects, both in the spring with the Daffodils in their 

 beauty, and later on with the Roses which thrive so well, growing 

 quite in abandon, and still later when the herbaceous plants are at 

 their best. In each instance it has been perfectly lovely, like Mr. 

 Wilks's garden in one sense — that of being composed of nearly all 

 hardy plants. No hues are followed, everything being informal to 

 a degree. In the ravine there is a well-arranged Rock Garden, with a 

 little rivulet running through it. Here the Japanese Iris thrives 

 remarkably well (fig. 93). This garden is an example of what may be 



