340 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
November  3.  LH9». 
suggests  itself  to  me  is  that  of  “  W.  S.”  putting  a  dozen  of  them  into  his 
pockets  and  tripping  lightly  away  with  them  to  a  show. — Beginner. 
[A  “beginner”  in  “  (Unionism”  possibly,  but  an  experienced  and 
successful  gardener  certainly,  who  records  one  more  demonstration  of 
the  value  of  deep  culture  and  soil  enrichment  in  mitigating  the  effects 
of  severe  and  prolonged  drought.] 
ALDENHAM  HOUSE. 
This,  the  charming  residence  of  Lord  Aldenham,  is  situated  some 
fifteen  miles  from  London  and  two  miles  from  Elstree  station  on  the 
Midland  Railway.  The  park  is  extensive,  and  finely  studded  with  magni¬ 
ficent  trees,  and  the  gardens  are  highly  cherished  and  admirably  managed. 
When  Mr.  Edwin  Beckett  took  charge  of  them  in  1884  their  extent  was 
only  20  acres,  now  the  area  covered  is  100.  Lord  Aldenham  is  a  great 
admirer  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs,  and  knows  them  thoroughly.  His 
lordship’s  talented  son,  the  Hon.  Yicary  Gibbs,  M.P.,  the  popular  member 
for  St.  Albans,  inherits  his  father’s  love  ot  trees  and  gardening.  This 
gentleman  is  a  born  landscapist,  and  possesses  intimate  knowledge  of 
trees  and  their  requirements,  and  with  the  aid  of  Mr.  Beckett  has  carried 
out  extensive  improvements  during  recent  years. 
At  the  present  time  a  lake  7  acres  in  extent  is  being  remodelled,  made 
interesting  with  rockeries,  a  bridge  and  islands,  and  many  acres  surround¬ 
ing  are  being  effectively  planted  with  the  choicest  of  shrubs  and  trees. 
The  pleasure  grounds  are  kept  in  the  best  of  order,  reflecting  much  credit 
on  Mr.  Beckett  and  his  able  foreman.  Words  of  praise  are  also  due 
to  Messrs.  Pulham  &  Sons,  the  famous  rockery  builders,  who  have  so 
admirably  carried  out  Lord  Aldenham’s  wishes  in  artistic  work  for  several 
years. 
Hardy  Shrubs  and  Trees. 
If  Aldenham  excels  in  one  point  more  than  another,  it  is  in  its 
magnificent  collection  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs.  It  must  be  one  of  the 
most  complete  to  be  found  in  any  private  garden.  Many  of  the 
choicer  kinds  are  planted  in  hundreds.  While  Mr.  Yicary  Gibbs  is  a 
keen  yet  judicious  collector  of  rarities,  imposing  effects  are  produced  by 
massing  such  shrubs  as  Spirma  Douglasi,  Rhus  cotinus,  Cornus  variegata, 
and  the  Red  Dogwood  in  beds  20  yards  long  and  12  yards  wide.  How 
much  better  is  this  than  the  mixed  or  “  spotty  ”  system  of  planting,  so 
often  carried  out  with  the  idea  of  having  variety.  Rosa  rugosa,  white 
and  red,  furnished  with  huge  clusters  of  its  coral  red  fruit,  had  a  charm¬ 
ing  appearance,  with  a  surrounding  of  densely  green  grass.  Berberis 
Jamesoni  in  bold  groups  is  attractive  twice  yearly — when  in  bloom,  and 
again  by  the  glow  of  the  autumn  tinged  foliage  ;  and  Golden  Privet,  in  a 
mass  by  the  waters  edge,  was  most  effective.  Rubus  biflorus  with  its 
white  stems.  R.  fruticosus  fl.-plena,  Cornus  Spathi  variegata,  Rubus 
canadensis,  Fuchsia  Riccartoni,  Spanish  Gorse,  Rose  Bengale  Ilermosa, 
and  the  Japanese  Wineberry  are  all  worthily  represented. 
Amongst  kinds  not  generally  regarded  as  “  common,”  Carpenteria 
californica,  growing  against  a  south  wall,  gives  promise  of  success.  A 
remarkably  fine  plant  of  the  Coral  tree — Erythrina  crista-galli — at  the 
foot  of  an  east  wall  has  for  the  last  twelve  years  given  2  feet  of 
flower  spikes  in  abundance  in  their  season.  Comptonia  asplenifolia,  with 
its  deep  green  and  serrated  foliage,  should  be  more  freely  planted  than  at 
present.  Amelanchier  canadensis  is  the  latest  of  flowering  of  the  Mespilus 
tribe.  The  Purple  Peach  is  noteworthy  for  its  rich  leaf  colouring  in  the 
spring.  Chimonanthus  fragrans  in  bushes  4  feet  diameter  must  be 
delightful  when  in  bloom  in  the  early  spring,  Caryopteris  Mastacan- 
thus  sinensis  somewhat  resembles  Ceanothus  azureus  in  appearance. 
Broussonetia  papyrifera,  with  its  large  Fig-like  leaves,  is  a  striking 
object.  The  glaucous  foliage  of  Salix  serisia  pendula  contrasts  well  with 
its  surroundings.  Cytisus  Andreanus  is  grown  in  quantity.  The 
scarlet  Peach,  Amygdalus  persica  magnifica,  deserves  the  attention  of 
planters  of  beautiful  spring  flowering  trees.  The  Golden  Poplar  grafted 
on  the  Lombardy,  and  closely  pruned  annually,  is  by  its  free  growth  and 
golden  foliage  a  striking  object  in  the  shrubbery.  The  Weeping  Elm — 
Ulmus  Petersi  pendula— succeeds  as  a  standard.  Cotoneaster  Roy  lei,  with 
its  weeping  habit  and  purple  berries,  demands  attention.  The  variegated 
Snowberry  Tree — Symphoricarpus  vulgaris  variegata — must  be  seen  to  be 
admired,  as  it  is  here  in  quantity.  Berberis  stenophylla,  quite  one  of  the 
best  of  the  Barberries,  is  effectively  employed.  The  golden-leaved  Tulip 
Tree — Liriodendron  tulipiferum  aureum,  is  conspicuous,  as  is  Ailanthus 
glandulosa  pendula,  with  its  massive  leaves  a  yard  in  iength  ;  so  is  the 
pendulous  form  of  Robinia  inermis.  The  deeply  cut  leaves  of  Sambucus 
racemosus  foliis  aurea  is  quite  distinct  from  the  ordinary  form  of  Golden 
Elder.  Sufficient  space  is  provided  for  all  to  grow  and  develop  freely. 
Judicious  pruning  is  adopted  ot  the  vigorous  growing  kinds  to  keep  them 
in  shape  and  for  the  protection  of  the  weaker. 
Waterfalls,  lakes,  and  rockeries  are  numerous,  and  with  their  sur¬ 
roundings  form  a  beautiful  feature.  Suitable  hardy  plants  have  been 
chosen  for  their  positions,  such  as  the  various  forms  of  Polygonum 
sachiliense  and  P.  cuspidatum,  which  tower  above  the  projecting  rockeries 
in  masses  8  feet  in  diameter.  Poa  aquatica,  Eulalia  zebrina,  and  Cotone¬ 
aster  Wheeleri,  with  its  dark  green  foliage  and  purple  stems,  is  one  of 
the  showiest  of  plants,  especially  during  the  winter.  A  collection  of  the 
various  coloured  Water  Lilies  is  being  established,  and  will  prove  a 
distinct  source  of  attraction.  Man}’  other  noteworthy  objects  might  be 
named,  but  space  is  too  limited  to  describe  more  in  this  department. 
The  Flower  Garden. 
The  flower  garden,  represented  in  ’  fig.  59,  is  one  of  the  charms  of 
Aldenham — a  wealth  of  flowers,  with  harmony  in  colours  and  diversity 
in  habit  and  variety,  combine  to  form  a  pleasing  effect.  Fibrous  and 
tuberous  Begonias  are  much  appreciated,  and  no  wonder,  judging  from 
the  freedom  of  flowers  covered  with  the  luxuriance  of  growth.  In  the 
former  section  Coral  Gem,  Duchess  of  York,  Snowflake,  and  Fairy  Queen 
are  particularly  noteworthy.  The  tuberous  varieties  grown  are  above  a 
carpet  of  Alternanthera — a  much  admired  combination.  Fuchsias  in 
masses  are  favourite  summer  garden  flowers,  Lye’s  Own,  with  its  white 
sepals  and  red  corolla  and  deep  green  leaves  being  very  showy.  Calceo¬ 
laria  amplexicaulis,  a  mass  4  feet  high  in  a  circular  bed,  showed  this 
old-fashioned  bedding  plant  off  to  perfection.  Several  gorgeous  beds  of 
“  Geraniums  ”  Henry  Jacoby  and  Kingsbury  Pet  met  the  view,  also  a 
study  in  ribbon  planting,  a  long  border  being  furnished  in  that  once 
familiar  way. 
A  wide  semicircular  border,  50  yards  long,  filled  with  sub-tropical 
plants,  with  tall  evergreen  shrubs  at  the  back,  was  a  feature  not  soon  to 
be  forgotten.  The  luxuriance  of  Nicotiana  affinis,  N.  colossus,  and 
N.  glauca  were  thoroughly  represented,  Solanum  pyracantha.  Salvia 
argentea,  Cannabis  gigantea,  Abutilons,  gold  and  silver  leaved,  Lavatera 
arborea  variegata,  Melianthus  major,  Wigandias,  and  various  forms  o* 
Ricinus  made  collectively  a  grand  display.  One  of  the  most  interesting 
plants  was  Marvel  of  Peru  in  groups  near  the  front ;  the  flowers  are 
remarkable  for  their  varied  colours,  and  are  Ivery  sweet  in  the  evening. 
A  group  of  Cannas  in  twenty  of  the  best  bedding  varieties  imparted 
brightness  to  this  noble  border. 
In  close  proximity  a  large  oval-shaped  bed  filled  with  Lobelia 
cardinalis  Firefly,  carpeted  with  Gazania  splendens  variegata,  was 
a  grand  sight.  Mention  must  not  be  omitted  of  the  collection  of 
Michaelmas  Daisies,  which  number  110  distinct  varieties,  and  fill  an 
undulated  winding  border  80  yards  long  and  15  feet  wide.  The  effect  of 
such  a  mass  of  blossoms  can  easily  be  realised  when  viewed  from  a  coign 
of  vantage.  The  Rose  garden  contains  plants  in  vigorous  growth,  and 
they  produce  blooms  abundantly.  The  collection  of  herbaceous  plants  is 
thoroughly  representative,  including  as  it  does  practically  all  kinds  that 
are  found  in  gardens  for  affording  flowers  over  a  long  period  of  the  year. 
The  Glass  Department. 
In  this  section  ample  provision  is  made  for  the  growth  of  fruit  and 
flowers  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  family,  and  high-class  management 
is  apparent  everywhere.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  admirably  grown. 
The  foliage  was  the  picture  of  health,  ample  space  being  given  to  the 
branches.  The  fruits  were  abundant  and  fine.  Sea  Eagle,  Violette  Hative, 
Late  Admirable,  and  Noblesse  are  the  principal  varieties.  Lord  Napier 
and  Pineapple  Nectarines  are  the  favourites.  Mr.  Beckett  does  not  find 
the  fruit  ot  the  last-named  variety  to  shrivel  prematurely  as  it  is  rather 
prone  to  do,  and  he  attributes  its  firmness  to  an  abundant  supply  of  water 
at  all  stages  of  growth. 
Grapes  consist  of  such  varieties  as  cannot  well  be  dispensed  with  in 
a  large  establishment.  They  include  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Alicante, 
Gros  Maroc,  Gros  Colman,  and  Lady  Hutt,  the  last-named  being  thought 
well  of  as  a  late  keeping  variety.  In  all  cases  the  bunches  were  of  a 
useful  table  size.  Late  Melons  and  Cucumbers  in  frames  were  carrying 
heavy  crops  of  fruit.  Tomatoes  under  glass  are  largely  grown,  the 
yellow  fruiting  variety,  Royal  Jubilee,  being  considered  a  grand  acquisition 
both  for  its  good  shape  and  excellent  flavour.  Strawberries  to  the  extent, 
of  1500  are  grown  in  pots,  the  varieties  being  Stevens'  Wonder,  Royal 
Sovereign,  Sir  J.  Paxton,  and  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury.  In  the 
Fig  house  there  is  a  grand  tree  of  that  serviceable  variety  Brown  Turkey, 
which  gives  annually  crops  of  fine  fruit. 
The  plants  are  mainly  of  the  decorative  order.  Large  numbers  are 
required  when  the  family  are  in  their  town  residence,  therefore  Mr. 
Beckett  grows  what  are  most  suited  for  such  work.  Crotons  are  a  feature  ; 
single  stemmed  plants  from  1  foot  to  3  feet,  densely  clothed  with  richly 
coloured  foliage  are  unsurpassed  for  evening  parties.  In  addition  to  the 
established  favourites,  such  as  Queen  Victoria  and  others,  some  newer 
varieties  are  grown.  Lord  Wolseley,  yellow  ;  Reidi,  short,  broad 
leaves,  extremely  rich,  red,  green,  and  flesh  tinted,  a  distinct  novelty  ; 
Mdlle.  de  Bondney,  yellow  and  green  ;  and  Gordoniensis,  were  among 
the  more  striking.  Clivias  are  found  extremely  useful.  About  four  dozen 
plants  of  the  best  varieties  are  grown.  Some  plants,  a  yard  across,  of 
Ccelogyne  cristata  and  C.  c.  alba  are  pictures  of  health,  and  Bouvardias 
grow  luxuriantly.  Tuberoses  are  in  great  demand,  while  Streptocarpus, 
from  2  feet  to  3  feet  in  diameter,  must  have  been  a  fine  sight  when  in  full 
beauty.  Poinsettias,  ranging  from  6  inches  to  2  feet  high,  were  the  picture 
of  health.  Cyclamens  are  much  better  grown  here  than  in  many  private 
gardens.  Chrysanthemums,  to  which  only  a  passing  reference  can  be 
made,  are  splendid.  About  600  plants  are  cultivated  for  large  blooms, 
consisting  of  all  the  new  and  desirable  varieties,  and  justice  is  done  to 
them,  as  is  evident  by  the  robust  foliage  and  handsome  blooms. 
The  Kitchen  Garden. 
No  person  could  inspect  the  magnificent  crops  in  this  department  with¬ 
out  admiration.  Attention  was  irresistibly  drawn  to  a  bed  of  1000  Onions, 
every  bulb  of  first-class  exhibition  quality.  Ailsa  Craig,  the  newer  Ne 
Plus  Ultra,  and  Cranston’s  Excelsior  were  the  principal  varieties.  That 
Celery  is  well  grown  the  splendid  exhibit  at  a  recent  meeting  of  the 
R.H.S.  afforded  ample  testimony.  Leeks  are  grown  equally  well. 
Amongst  Potatoes  Satisfaction,  Snowdrop,  and  Windsor  Castle  are 
spoken  highly  of.  Carrots  are  usually  strong  in  Mr.  Beckett’s  collec¬ 
tions,  and  he  finds  New  Intermediate  is  difficult  to  excel.  The  same 
opinion  is  expressed  on  Veitch’s  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower.  Among  Peas 
Autocrat  finds  much  favour  as  a  late  variety.  Taken  as  a  whole  the 
kitchen  garden  is  a  model  of  good  culture  and  cleanliness. — E.  Molyneux, 
