September 15, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
241 
particularly bright. Perhaps nowhere could better-kept beds be seen, 
the plants being apparently nipped and so restricted in growth as to be 
absolutely faultless in outline. But are such beds desirable ? That they 
are wonders in their way is readily admitted, and they reflect great 
credit on the designer, but one cannot help regretting that a more 
natural system of flower gardening is not generally adopted in such a 
beautiful park. The longer we look at these combinations of colour 
and stunted plants, the greater the relief when we turn to beds less 
formal in outline. Of the latter there are happily a great variety. 
In the sub-tropical garden there are many beds that are remarkably 
striking and pleasing in effect. One planted with bold specimens of 
Gunnera scabra and Polymnia grandis, and edged with variegated 
Pelargoniums, and Sempervivums, is particularly effective. In a suit¬ 
able position an imitation of this could be made with advantage. A bed 
of single Tuberous Begonias, with a ring of yellow-leaved Pelargoniums, | 
Delphiniums, Dahlias, Gladioli, Musas, Eucalyptus globosus, and other 
hardy and half-hardy plants. This is the kind of bedding that is required 
in such a picturesque park. Bold masses of Cannes near by are 
likewise conspicuous, and the same may be said of a bank of Fuchsias, 
one mass of bloom. Specimens of Araucaria excelsa are used with good 
effect in one or two beds, and some huge p’ants of Brugmansia Knighti 
catch the eye, but these have not done well this year. There are also 
numerous beds filled with Pelargoniums, Lobelia, Coleuses and other 
ordinary bedding plants in the customary manner, and which for the 
most part are now past their best. 
Although the principal feature, the sub-tropical garden does not 
constitute the whole of the bedding in Battersea Park. There are, 
besides the beds mentioned, borders and nooks filled with a variety of 
plants, all interesting and effective. From a natural point of view, 
perhaps one of the most attractive corners is that leading from the 
Fig. 33.—CATTLEYA OWENIANA. 
and edged with blue Lobelia and Mesembryanthemum, is also noticeable ; 
whilst in the background a bold mass of dark-leaved Cannas shows up 
conspicuously. Among the latter some rich scarlet Gladioli spikes are 
most effective. Those who favour a quiet arrangement would be 
interested in a bed planted with Vitis heterophylla variegata, above 
which rise spikes of Lobelia Queen Victoria, the dark foliage and scarlet 
flowers making a pleasing contrast to the variegated leaves of the Vitis. 
This bed is edged with variegated Pelargoniums, pink Lobelia, and 
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. Near to this, but in the 
background, a row of white Phlox shows up conspicuously against a 
number of dark-leaved Castor Oil plants. 
Itather an uncommon bed is that of Tuberous Begonias, amongst 
which green and red-leaved Dracaenas, and Dieffenbachias are planted. 
The latter, however, do not seem particularly happy in their quarters, 
possibly owing to the recent cold winds. Still, the bed is novel in its 
arrangement, and was doubtless attractive earlier in the season. A 
large bed planted with Wigandia caracasana associated with a dark 
Heliotrope and edged with bands of Iresine, variegated Pelargoniums, 
blue Lobelia, and Echeverias, also attracts attention, r.ot only for 
its appearance but fragrance, the Heliotrope being most delicious. 
I noted with pleasure, too, a large mixed bed, amongst which were 
sub-tropical garden and near the lake. Here we find banks, irregular 
in shape, planted with various hardy and other plants. Amongst 
these are Liliums of sorts, Lobelia Queen Victoria, Salvia patens, and 
large clumps of Thalictrum adiantifolium, the whole making a charming 
display. The groundwork in the front, or rather at the base of the 
mounds, is planted with Pilea muscosa and Sedums of different kinds. 
The only drawback, to ray way of thinking, to this arrangement is the 
manner in which the Liliums are disposed. It would have been better 
had they been planted in bolder masses. The borders, of which there 
are many in different parts of the park, are just now gay with autumn 
flowers, these being really more showy than the beds. Masses of 
Helianthuses, Phloxes, Gladioli, and various annuals, such as Asters and 
Stocks, are exceedingly bright, showing up well against the background 
of shrubs. Much more could be written anent the floral arrangements 
there, but it is sufficient to say that the characteristics of this charming 
park are fully maintained this year, and a visit may with advantage be 
paid before frosts destroy the effect. 
Victoria Park. 
This park has long been noted for good flower gardening. Although 
situated in a by no means salubrious neighbourhood, the beds are 
