September 14, 1893, ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
241 
be made in the autumn, but I prefer to sow in pots or turves in spring 
and plant out in favourable weather if early Peas are urgently required. 
Ashes, soot, and lime scattered around the rows in spring will prevent 
slugs destroying the plants. Mildew is often very troublesome, during a 
dry summer especially; the best preventive is to sow those sorts which 
resist it the best, and avoid the use of cold water.—G. Gaexer. 
(To he continued.) 
PARAGRAPHS ABORT THE PARKS. 
Eegent’s Park. 
As most people who have a geographical knowledge of London and 
its suburbs are aware. Regent’s Park is situated in the north-western 
portion of the metropolis, and is of easy access from all parts. Visitors 
from the north arriving at King’s Cross, St. Pancras, or Euston Stations, 
can reach Regent’s Park in a few minutes, either by the Underground 
Railway to Portland Road Station, or by omnibus along the Euston 
Road. Similarly those who arrive in the metropolis from the south side 
will find that many ’buses from Charing Cross and the Strand pass this 
park, in which may be found the famous Zoological Gardens, and also 
the Gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, The park is a large one, and 
is a popular resort of many Londoners. 
The summer bedding in Regent’s Park is always well done, and this 
year proves no exception to the rule. Some borders and occasional beds 
may, of course, be found in various parts of the park, but the principal 
bedding is to be seen near the entrance, a few hundred yards from Portland 
Road Station, Immediately inside the gates the visitor comes upon a 
series of beds well filled with plants. Traversing the walk on the right 
a number of standard and pyramid Fuchsias sunk in the turf in clumps 
attracts attention, the plants being well grown and profusely flowered. 
These are usually a feature here, and are greatly admired. Opposite to 
a group of Fuchsias is a clump of foliage plants comprising tall speci¬ 
mens of Dracmna lineata. Bamboos, Cycas revoluta, and Tree Ferns. 
Being slightly shaded by trees, these have done well during the past 
summer, and doubtless imparted a cool appearance, if such were possible, 
on the oppressive days of August. Last week when I saw the plants 
they were as fresh looking as when under glass. 
A noticeable feature in this park, as it is in others in and around the 
metropolis, is the excellent manner in which plants are arranged in the 
beds. Now and then some fastidious person takes exception to certain 
combinations, but these instances, as they should be, are rare. Taken as 
a whole the bedding in the London parks is exceptionally well done, 
and many a gardener might glean a few useful hints by paying an 
annual visit to them. The plants, moreover, flourish amazingly con¬ 
sidering the fact that the atmosphere is not always of the purest kind, 
and as regards the arrangements but little fault can be found. These 
remarks apply to the park now under notice, and Mr. W. Jordan, the 
Superintendent, has cause to be proud of the result of his labours this 
year. 
There are some charming beds on each side of the walk to which 
allusion has been made. One filled with Begonia semperflorens rubra 
and Kbniga maritima variegata and Dactylis glomerata variegata is very 
attractive and worthy of imitation. A similar shaped bed filled with 
Begonia semperflorens rosea and Mesembryanthemum cordifolium varie- 
gatum is also good. The Begonias are covered with pink blossoms, 
which form a pleasing contrast to the yellowish foliage of the Mesem¬ 
bryanthemum. By the way, it is noted that the various forms of Begonia 
semperflorens are used extensively for bedding in all of the metropolitan 
parks, and for which purpose they are apparently well adapted. These 
Begonias are likely to prove dangerous rivals to the tuberous-rooted 
section. 
At the end of the walk referred to a large corner bed on the right is 
noticeable for the manner in which the plants are arranged. The back¬ 
ground is filled with huge Palms, over the leaves of which Tropaeolums 
have grown, and are flowering profusely; Near to the front are masses 
of Lilium tigrinum, standard Fuchsias, Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Abel 
Carrier!, Begonia semperflorens rosea, and Veronica Andersoni. These 
plants are placed in bold clumps, which show to perfection their 
characteristics and adaptability for the purpose. Those persons who 
are fond of neat, formal combinations would perhaps find little in this 
bed to admire, but to others who, like myself, prefer artistic arrange¬ 
ments, there is much that is worthy of admiration. 
Leaving this corner group and turning to the left more beds of 
various shapes may be seen; They are all well filled with plants 
of different kinds, and for the second week in September are most 
effective. Two beds in particular, however, attract one’s attention, 
these being what a lady would term “ lovely.” One of these beds 
presents a fairy-like appearance. It is round in shape, and would 
remind one of a bride’s bouquet had it been raised a little. During the 
whole of my travels in gardens I have never seen a similar arrangement. 
The centre is filled with Dactylis glomerata variegata and Lilium 
lancifolium album, amongst which were plants of Asparagus plumosus, 
the sprays of the latter giving the whole a light graceful appearance. 
The bed is edged with a row of Begonia Worthiana, outside which is a 
ring of deep green Saxifraga. The opposite bed to this, of a similar size 
and shape, is devoted to Begonia semperflorens rosea and Kbniga 
maritima variegata, from which rise plants of the charming Eulalia 
gracillima. _ 
The vases filled with flowering and ornamental foliage plants are not 
the least striking feature in this park. This year these must have caused 
much labour in watering, but it has apparently been well done, for the 
plants have made vigorous growth. A huge clump in the centre of the 
“flower garden” is particularly noticeable. This is perhaps 15 or 
20 feet high, there being a very large stone vase in the centre of a raised 
bed, although this is hidden from view. The vase is filled with varie¬ 
gated Abutilons, Eucalyptus globosa, fine Zonal Pelargoniums, and 
(Irevillea robusta, the sides being draped with Tropjeolums, Ivy-leaved 
Pelargoniums, and other drooping plants. Around these come Palms, 
Abutilons, huge Zonal Pelargoniums full of bloom, and various other 
plants, the whole making a striking effect. There are several smaUer 
vases, and these likewise make an imposing display. 
Reference should be made to two clumps of succulents, Saxifragas and 
Sedums, which doubtless interest many visitors. These are formed near 
two walks and beneath the shade of trees. All the plants, moreover, are 
named, the labels being well and distinctly written so that anyone 
might without difficulty ascertain the appellation of any particular 
plant. The ground in each bed is covered w.th Sedums and Saxifragas, 
amongst which S. lactea and S. Aizoides, are conspicuous, and from these 
rise clumps of Agave americana and its variegated variety, Echeverias, 
Sempervivums, and other succulent plants. All are arranged with 
excellent taste, and if less showy than some of the other beds are none the 
less interesting. _ 
Much more could be said in regard to the bedding in Regent’s Park, 
but space is limited, other parks have yet to be mentioned. A note 
should be made, however, of the many charming beds of Celosias, which 
at this period of the year are exceptionally bright and attractive. 
Lilium tigrinum is also used with good effect in many beds, and the 
same may be said of other Liliums. Early Chrysanthemums, too, 
must not be overlooked, and it would be well if these were as extensively 
used for bedding purposes in private gardens as they are in the parks. 
They also make a splendid show on the numerous borders, and likewise 
do huge clumps of Nicotiana affinis and various autumn flowering 
plants. 
Finsbury Park. 
This is another popular open space of northern London, and is 
situated close to Finsbury Park station on the Great Northern Railway. 
Tram cars and ’buses also pass the park by the Seven Sisters Road and 
Green Lanes, which may be easily reached from the centre of the 
metropolis. It is much smaller than Regent’s Park, but the bedding is 
always effective, and to Chrysanthemum growers Finsbury Park has 
long been known. The culture of the Chrysanthemum is encouraged 
here. A huge glass structure nearly 100 feet in length is now being 
erected as a show house for the plants by the London County Council. 
When finished it will be a very fine building, and one in which the 
plants, of which more than 3000 are grown, will be seen to advantage. 
For the benefit of the uninitiated it may be mentioned that this 
structure for the Chrysanthemums is situated near the Manor House 
entrance, which tram cars from the city and other points pass every few 
minutes during the day. _ 
Much of the bedding in this park is to be found not far from the 
Manor House. On entering at this point the visitor is brought face to 
face wdth an imposing bed of green and purple-leaved Cannas, Gladioli 
in variety, Eulalia gracillima, and other plants, the edging being 
composed of Chamaepeuce, Cineraria maritima, and Begonia semper¬ 
florens alba. Near by are several beds devoted to carpet bedding, and 
the Alternantheras are richly coloured this season. A series of beds of 
different shapes flank each side of a walk which lead to the right from 
this entrance, and these are filled in charming manner. Two beds de¬ 
voted to Begonia Worthiana, pink and white Pelargoniums, with dot 
plants of Acacia lophantha, and edgings of blue Lobelia are most attrac¬ 
tive. It is impossible to describe the pretty effect which these beds 
produce, and to realise the value of the combinations they must be seen. 
Cannas are well employed in this park, and with the addition of 
Verbena venosa make several simple though attractive beds. Begonia 
semperflorens rubra is also used with good effect, the foliage being a rich 
bronzy colour in the open air, which enhances its appearance consider¬ 
ably. A bed planted with B. semperflorens atro-purpurea and variegated 
Pelargoniums likewise commands attention, and the same applies^ to 
beds filled with pink Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, dark Tuberous Begonias, 
and dot plants of Grevillea robusta. Fuchsias are freely used in some 
beds, and in others single Petunias are flowering most profusely. _ These 
are easily grown plants, and, as a ru e, they are most effective during the 
end of the summer and in the autumn. 
In what is known as the “ Surprise Garden,” from the fact that 
visitors not acquainted with its whereabouts come upon it somewhat 
suddenly when near the lake, some good bedding is noticeable. This 
garden is on the top of the hill, and is surrounded by masses of shrubs, 
a broad wall passing through the centre. The beds on each side arc 
similar in shape and size, and are planted alternately with the same 
