August 11, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
121 
Coleus Verschaffelti, Pelargonium Princess Alexandra (variegated 
foliage), the edging being Lobelia pumila magnifica. Near to this is a 
very pretty combination. The body of the bed is filled with pink Pelar¬ 
gonium Titiens and blue Violas, the other portion being planted with 
light-leaved Robert Fish Pelargonium, Coleus, and white Lobelia. In 
the background is a group of dark-leaved Cannas, which add to the 
effect. An uncommon bed is that of dark Fuchsias, Lilium candidum, 
Petunias, herbaceous Lobelia Queen Victoria, and the Canary Creeper 
(Tropaeolum canariense) trained on stakes, the groundwork being filled 
in with pale blue Violas. This may seem a strange combination, but the 
effect is good. The white Lilies contrast well with the tall dark 
Fuchsias, heavily laden with bloom, whilst the Tropmolums add their 
own peculiar charm. 
Tuberous Begonias arc largely employed, but the plants do not seem 
to have grown so vigorously as they usually do. In most cases, however, 
they are flowering grandly and do not present that washed-out appear¬ 
ance which in dull seasons is characteristic of the Zonal Pelargonium. 
One noticeable feature in the bedding at Hyde Park is associating Violas 
with Begonias and Pelargoniums. The delicate hues of the first tone 
down the vivid colours of the two latter, and the result invariably is a 
charming effect. A small bed planted rather sparsely with Begonias and 
blue Violas, the ground being covered with Lysimachia Nummularia 
aurea, and edged with Iresine and Lobelia Blue King, is exceedingly 
pretty. Near to it are clumps of a small dark crimson climbing 
Tropmolum planted on the turf and trained on stakes. These are most 
effective, and might with advantage be imitated. Similar masses 
of the same Tropaeolum are disposed in a large bed filled with clumps of 
white Litiums, Canterbury Bell-, white Petunias, and tall Abutilons, the 
ground being covered with blue Violas. The effect is excellent. The 
plants are not too crowded, but fill the space comfortably, and their 
graceful character contrasts pleasantly with the more formal beds hard 
by. Near this another bed similarly planted is likewise good and out of 
the common. Here we find the blue arid white form Campanula 
pyramidalis disposed over the bed, and betwten them clumps of dark 
Lilies, tall yellow Calceolarias, and masses of a white summer flowering 
Chrysanthemum. Many visitors stop to look at this strange but effective 
bed, and the large plants of Plumbago capensis in the background. 
Fuchsias are always a feature in Hyde Park. Besides being ex¬ 
tensively used for the beds large specimen plants 4 or 5 feet in height 
arc disposed in groups on the turf, the pots being sunk below ihe surface. 
This plan is a good one, and those responsible for the summer decora¬ 
tion of private gardens might utilise Fuchsias in a similar manner. 
Given proper attention as regards watering they flower most profusely, 
and produce a good effect. The free growing varieties and most profuse 
bloomers are best adapted for the purpose, and these are conspicuous in 
Hyde Park. Mrs. Marshall, Arabella, Earl of Beaconsfield, H«nry 
Brookes, and Tower of London are the favourite varieties there, some 
grand specimens of these laden with blooms making an imposing display. 
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are also employed with good effect. Large 
specimens are disposed in beds, also in groups on the turf, the plants 
being retained in their pots, which are plunged below the surface. 
Zonal Pelargoniums similarly grouped and plunged were also very 
striking. Treated thus the plants are less vigorous in growth, but 
certainly more floriferous than when planted out. Many of them are 
covered with bloom, the trusses, too, being remarkably fine. 
Mixed beds are of course numerous. It is pleasing to note this fact, 
inasmuch as it is a sign that the departure from conventional methods 
is still progressing. Time, no doubt, will bring further changes. Hardy 
plants are in some instances interspersed with those of a more tropical 
nature with good results. White Carnations and light coloured Picotees 
blend well with brilliant Begonias, and early flowering Chrysanthemums 
make very effective beds. In due course we may sec beds of the old 
crimson Clove and other Carnations, they being among the best of town 
■flowers. And why not ? Pentstcmons, too, are noticeable in Hyde Park, 
while clumps of the sweet-scented Tobacco (Nicotiana affinis) are most 
imposing. Violas naturally are to be found in the bulk of the beds, 
these being available for mixing with most plants. They grow freely, 
too, and flower abundantly. The favourite varieties are Blue Bell, 
Beauty of Chipping Norton, Lilacina, Mrs. Turner, Holyrood, and 
Cliveden Purple. Zonal Pelargoniums are undoubtedly less popular 
than they were for bedding, but they are still used extensively in Hyde 
Park. Henry Jacoby and the Rev. F. Atkinson are exceedingly good, 
these varieties making a brilliant display with large trusses of bloom. 
The pale yellow leaved Pelargonium Robert Fish is still used largely, 
anti Cloth of Gold and Meteor are two Fuchsias adapted for edging. 
Among foliage plants Grevillea robusta and Acacia lophantha figure 
conspicuously, whilst for edging purposes generally Lobelias Blue King 
and Snowball (a good white) are extensively employed. Carpet 
bedding is still carried out, though on a limited scale compared with 
former years. The beds devoted to this style of bedding are well planted, 
simple rather than intricate, and, as they should be, maintained in 
excellent order. 
From the above mentioned series of beds the visitor should cross over 
to the broad expanse of turf abutting Rotten Row, where beds filled with 
plants of a sub-tropical nature are most to be found. Here may be 
noted fine examples of Seaforthias, Cliammrops, and other Palms, as 
well as Musas, dotted about the grass, the tubs or pots being plunged 
below the surface and turfed over. Considering the rough winds which 
have prevailed this season the huge leaves of the Musas are by no 
means split so much as I have seen them. Large beds well filled with 
Ficus elastica, Aspidistras, Eucalyptus, Liliums, and other plants a-e 
also most effective, the groundwork in many beds being planted with 
Violas of various colours. The dell at the head of the Serpentine like¬ 
wise is devoted to sub-tropical gardening. The scene here is truly 
tropical on a warm summer’s day. At the bottom is a small stream. 
The banks of this are clad with Ivy and shrubs, from which tower huge 
Tree Ferns, Palms, and Cycads, presenting to the visitor a miniature 
representation of a New Zealand forest. Close by a border well tilled 
with Fuchsias, Liliums, Snapdragons, Marguerites, and other plants 
disposed in groups and patches makes a good contrast and naturally 
attracts much attention. 
Finsbury Park. 
Although small compared with some of the other metropotan parks 
this northern lung of London is a popular resort. It is laid out in a 
picturesque style, and the bedding, both spring and summer, is always 
good. At the present time many of the beds there are very gay. What 
might be termed the “ flower garden ” is situated on the north side of 
the park, and is divided into two portions, a broad walk running 
through the centre. In the background on each side is a shrubbery 
border, the front of which is now gay with Zonal Pelargoniums, 
yellow Calceolarias, blue Lobelia, Pyrethrum, and Ageratum. Clumps 
of Nicotiana affinis flowering splendidly are conspicuous in these 
borders. The beds also are most effective. On each side there are three 
large circular beds planted with Cannas and Nicotiana affinis, these 
being edged with pink, scarlet, and Crystal Palace Gem Pelargoniums. 
Carpet bedding is not very extensively practised in this bed, though 
what is lone is excellent. The beds are well planted and the designs 
effective. Among the mixed beds Henry Jacoby Pelargonium shows up 
well, and appears to be used in preference to tuberous Begonias. A 
few beds are planted with Begonias, but they are by no means so 
extensively employed there as Pelargoniums. Plants of the variegated 
mauve dotted amongst the scarlet and crimson Pelargoniums produce 
a pretty effect, and in several beds Acer Negundo variegata is used as 
centre specimens. A number of small beds filled with Carnations, 
Begonias, and Stocks, with centre plants of the blue and white forms of 
Campanula pyramidalis, planted alternately, are very pretty, and being 
close to a wall are much admired. 
The borders in Finsbury Park are exceedingly showy. The flowers 
are seen at their best, the majority of them being planted in bold 
masses at frequent intervals. Here may be found a large clump of 
Godetias, there splendid masses of Violas of various colours. The 
latter seem to thrive amazingly, and are now literally covered with bloom. 
Among other varieties Countess of Kintore is very conspicuous. Annuals 
of different kinds are similarly employed, the whole making an imposing 
display. On one border fine clumps of the old crimson Clove are 
noticeable. The plants apparently grow with great freedom, and are 
now laden with their large fragrant blooms. Where it does well this is 
still one of the best of border Carnations, and might with advantage 
be extensively planted. Sedum Sieboldi, too, is just coming into 
flower, great clumps of it being disposed over the borders. D <hlias and 
Sweet Peas, the latter grown in clumps, are also showy, and the 
same may bo said of the Sweet-scented Tobacco and Hyacinthus 
candicans. Among the shrubs we noted a fine bush of Olearia Haasti 
in full bloom, its pure white blossoms being exceedingly pretty. 
Roses deserve a word. It is generally thought that Roses will not 
thrive in or near London. They are, however, an exception in Finsbury 
Park. Here beds of dwarf Roses, chiefly Hybrid Perpetuals, may be 
seen, and to all appe trances they flourish in spite of fogs and a sulphuric 
atmosphere. At preseut the plants are looking remarkably strong and 
healthy, producing thick growths 4 or more feet in length. Many are, 
of course, past their best as regards flowers, though many at the time of 
my visit were in bloom. As in Hyde Park, there is a decided tendency 
here to depart from the ordinary bedding out system, and it is quite 
possible that a few years hence vigorous growing, beautiful hardy 
plants will take the place of the poor weak coloured foliage things that 
even yet disfigure many public and private flower gardens.—C. C. 
SUMMER BEDDING AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE. 
It is early yet to make full reference to the very charming bedding 
display for the summer, which is already delighting visitors to these very 
popular gardens. Mr. Graham is the head, but credit also belongs to 
the energetic foreman, Mr. Barnshaw, who has done his work well. 
The carpet beds evidence that this form of garden decoration is still as 
attractive as it is popular with the masses ; one, a balloon-pattern bed, 
will become a great favourite during the autumn. Especially effective 
are the Begonias, and although these are largely employed in mixed 
beds, two that are planted with them thinly, just a few carpet plants 
being mixed in, will be very beautiful and do a great deal to help in 
popularising Begonias as bedding plants. The variety Northiana, with its 
myriads of pendent orange-scarlet flowers, is very fine; it cannot 
be excelled for effectiveness anywhere. This variety makes also a 
glorious pot plant, especialy from two-years-divided tubers. A very 
pretty effect is produced by two large bf'ds plan ed with Flower of 
Spring Pelargonium and blue Violas topped with Abutilon Thompsoni, 
Fuchsias are also prominent alone, also mixed with pink Ivy-leaf Pelar¬ 
goniums, Violas, and diverse plants. Double Zinnias also will *oon be 
in splendid condition. Such rich-coloured Pe argoniums as H. Jacoby and 
Lord Gifford make grand masses. I can guarantee to anyone woo will 
visit these gardens during the next few weeks ample repayment in the 
beautiful attractions the bedding presents.—A. D. 
