Planning a Wild Garden 
IT is doubtful if any branch of gardening has attained a 
greater degree of popularity during recent years than 
that known as wild gardening. This can be carried 
out in an economical manner, often by the owner of the 
site, and its upkeep does not involve much labor. A well- 
arranged wild garden is certainly a source of delight, for 
if the site is fairly extensive, it. can be rendered extremely 
diverse and beautiful in its formation and character. 
There are positions adjoining- many country houses 
that would make ideal wild gardens if properly taken in 
hand by a landscape artist, who would preserve existing 
and create fresh beauty. It is necessary to depend to a 
large extent on the existing natural features for the out- 
standing characteristics, and further developments should 
be made to harmonize with the surroundings. One usu- 
ally has to utilize whatever stretch of ground is ayailable. 
but whenever possible choose an undulating site, as such 
a position can be made so much more interesting and at- 
tractive than a comparatively level area. When dealing 
with a level situation, it is often possible to vary the mon- 
otony of the surface by throwing up mounds and forming 
miniature valleys in suitable positions, which enables the 
planter to create more beautiful and diverse features than 
would otherwise be possible. 
An undulating site possesses great advantages, how- 
ever, for then the work of planting can proceed uninter- 
ruptedly. When such a stretch of ground is available 
and there are already a few large specimen trees to lend 
dignity to the surroundings, and perhaps a tumbling hill- 
side stream besides, a veritable panorama of beauty can 
be formed by making a judicious selection of the best 
shrubs and plants, and by planting them in an artistic 
and informal manner. In this connection some of the 
better conifers should be included, as their warm coloring- 
is especially welcome in the winter. Of course, the most 
striking effects can be created when a broad expanse of 
ground is available, although quite pretty features may 
be formed in a comparatively small area. 
It is a point of some importance when planting to ar- 
range for surprise features about the garden in certain 
positions, by planting groups of shrubs to effectually 
screen the view beyond until one comes close upon the 
scene. Different subjects should lie used for this pur- 
pose, so as to give each section an individuality of its 
own. It is also desirable to provide glades in certain 
positions, for they are always a source of attraction when 
appropriately located towards the outskirts of the garden, 
so as to reveal a view of the country beyond or include 
some adjoining garden feature. When well placed, 
glades give an impression of extent, which is often desir- 
able if the grounds are rather small. The}' may be planted 
with a dwart-growing subject like Erica carnea. or some 
other Heath ; and if of grass, bulbs should be planted 
the fullest extent, as it tends to give a sense of complete- 
ness and natural charm, and numerous moisture-loving 
plants can be grown near the streamside. 
The walks should be pleasantly winding, yet direct 
withal, and if of grass keep them mown regularly. Self- 
sown flowers mav be encouraged, as they often provide 
patches of color in approprate positions, and lend a desir- 
able naturalness of aspect to the scene. Groups of flower- 
ing shrubs are always welcome in suitable positions. A 
portion of the wild garden might well be devoted to an 
artistic grouping of the Japanese Maples, and if thinly 
disposed in the grass they are more attractive than when 
massed in beds. Various flowering shrubs, such as the 
Magnolias, Spiraeas, Lilacs and Berberis in variety, should 
be well represented, not omitting B. Thunbergii and P.. 
virescens for their rich leaf coloring in the autumn. The 
English and Spanish Brooms and the double-flowered 
Gorse merit inclusion, and when associated with large 
stretches of the hardy Heaths help to complete a charac- 
teristic moorland scene. Rhododendrons and deciduous 
Azaleas will create bright patches of color in early sum- 
mer, and should be planted when the soil suits them. 
Roses in variety never fail to please, and are especially 
effective grown in large masses. Fellenberg is a great 
acquisition, as it flowers incessantly until checked by 
frost ; while Rosa rugosa. R. rubrifolia and the Wichura- 
iana varieties create a glorious display. The latter are 
especially desirable to cover old tree stumps. Xumerous 
hardy perennials might be massed in irregular groups, 
and of these the Delphiniums. Paeonies, Lupines. Phloxes, 
Anchusas and Oriental Poppies are some of the best for 
the purpose. 
The English and Spanish Irises look well in large ir- 
regular beds, and the Siberian " Iris flourishes near the 
streamside. The incomparable Japanese Irises create a 
glorious show in July, and the)- succeed in a similar posi- 
tion if planted in well-enriched soil. The waving plumes 
of the Spiraeas, Astilbes, Rodgersias, Lythrums and Epi- 
lobiums are seen at their best near the water's edge, and 
they should be planted in bold groups. Other plants that 
prefer moist soil are the Willow Gentian, Artemisia lac- 
tiflora, Senecio Veitchianus, S. Clivorum and Rheum 
palfnatum. The broad-leaved Gunneras are particularly 
handsome and effective, especially near the water. Sax- 
ifraga peltata, with its attractive foliage, is an ideal plant 
for the streamside, and Osmunda regalis, the Royal Fern, 
flourishes in a similar position. Large colonies of Primula 
japonica and P. cashmeriana might be formed in moist 
soil, and where they can have the benefit of partial shade. 
Some of the large-flowered Polyanthuses are very beauti- 
ful, and they succeed admirably when planted in the 
grass. 
By growing these subjects and similar hardy plants in 
bold and irregular groups, glorious effects can be formed, 
and not only will a garden of flowers result, but a scene 
of natural beauty and interest will be created. Such a 
garden requires a certain amount of care and attention, 
foi if the plants are allowed to grow quite unattended it 
would soon become a wilderness, and many of the sub- 
freely to provide a display of blossom in the spring. A jects would be choked with grass and weeds. It is ad- 
glade bordered with Silver Birch trees and carpeted with 
Bluebells forms a delightful picture when the latter are 
in bloom. 
When a stream runs through the wild garden, it can 
often be widened into pools at intervals, and in suitable 
positions large boulders of rock may be placed to form 
miniature cascades. Water should always be utilized to 
visable to keep the plants regularly weeded, and those 
that need it should be suitably supported. The grass may 
be mown at the end of June, after the wild flowers have 
blossomed, and again in the autumn, which will suffice to 
keep it under control and at the same time permit the in- 
dispensable naturalness of aspect that should pervade 
such a garden. — The Garden i English). 
590 
