30 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
January  12,  1899. 
LUTON  HOG  PARK. 
This,  the  princely  estate  of  Madame  de  Falbe,  is  situated  a  little  over 
two  miles  from  the  busy  town  of  Luton,  the  entrance  from  which  is  under 
an  archway,  with  lodges  on  each  side.  Directly  within  the  park  the 
ground  begins  to  rise  towards  the  mansion,  to  which  access  is  gained  by 
a  long  drive  through  the  park,  which  is  well  furnished  with  splendid 
timber  trees.  To  the  left  is  a  large  lake,  about  a  mile  and  half  long  and 
nearly  half  a  mile  in  breadth,  well  stocked  with  various  waterfowl.  Near 
the  mansion  is  the  entrance  to  the  pleasure  grounds,  which  extend  to 
nearly  100  acres,  and  there  are  miles  of  well  kept  gravel  walks  and  acres 
of  lawn.  The  illustration  (fig.  7)  gives  a  view  of  the  mansion  with  trees 
in  the  foreground. 
The  grounds  are  beautifully  undulated,  and  contain  many  features  of 
interest.  Trees,  plants,  and  shrubs  of  every  description  have  been 
planted  with  admirable  discretion,  while  there  are  dells,  ravines,  roseries 
in  various  parts  of  the  ground,  and  in  a  secluded  spot  is  a  graveyard 
devoted  to  canine  pets.  Gigantic  trees,  such  as  Picea  macrocarpa. 
Cedars,  Picea  pinsapo,  Picea  glauca,  Thuia  gigantea,  the  Douglas  Fir, 
Araucaria  imbricata  are  only  a  few  of  the  many'  that  are  conspicuous, 
many  being  from  40  to  50  feet  high  adorn  the  estate,  as  do  grand  Portugal 
Laurels,  Arbutus,  Laurustinns,  and  Weeping  Hollies,  15  feet  high, 
15  through,  sw'eeping  the  ground.  An  enormous  Beech  tree,  29  feet  in 
circumference  round  the  trunk,  is  well  worth  mentioning. 
Clumps  of  Kalmias,  Hhododendrons,  with  Lilacs  and  Laburnums, 
occupy  a  suitable  position  in  the  American  garden,  while  the  dell  of 
hardy  Ferns  forms  a  most  pleasing  feature.  In  various  situations  in 
these  extensive  grounds  one  comes  in  contact  suddenly  and  unexpectedly 
with  plots  devoted  to  diverse  styles  of  gardening.  For  instance,  there 
are  two  or  three  Rose  gardens,  herbaceous  borders  planted  with  the  very 
best  varieties  of  their  respective  sorts,  one  Rose  garden  devoted  to  the 
Rugosa  varieties,  in  which  the  bright  berries  are  very  effective  this  dull 
season.  Another  is  devoted  to  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  a  third  to  Teas,  and 
so  on.  Many'  good  flowers  could  have  been  cut  on  the  day  of  my  visit 
during  the  first  week  in  November. 
Splendid  specimen  Andromedas  attract  one’s  attention,  as  do  beds  of 
Acer  Negundo  variegata,  with  Tropaeolum  speciosum  climbing  up  their 
stems.  Iris  Kmmpferi  in  variety  makes  a  novel  and  showy  bed,  and  close 
by  these  in  a  quiet  nook  is  an  aviary  of  doves,  who  are  allowed  the  liberty 
of  going  where  they  please.  As  one  nears  the  stately  mansion  the 
borders  of  the  principal  walk  are  planted  with  a  choice  collection  of 
herbaceous  plants,  annuals,  &c.,  of  which  many  were  still  in  flower.  Large 
beds  are  full  of  Aquilegias,  dotted  with  various  Liliums,  Tritomas,  and 
Nicotianas.  Dahlias,  too,  find  a  place  with  Antirrhinums,  Pentstemons, 
and  scores  of  others.  Over  a  portion  of  a  trellised  archway  Crimson 
Rambler  Rose  wanders  vigorously,  and  is  most  handsome. 
Memorial  Trees. 
The  number  of  memorial  trees  that  have  from  time  to  time  been 
planted  by  royalty  and  other  distingnished  visitors  is  very  large,  and  these 
alone  make  the  demesne  additionally  interesting  to  visitors.  Their 
variety  and  age  may  be  gathered  from  the  subjoined  tabulated  list : — 
Fagus  purpurea  ...  planted  Dec.  1878 
Quercus  coccinea  macrophylla  Dec.  1879 
Quercus  pannonica ...  ,,  Oct.  1880 
Abies  Clanbraziliana  ,,  Nov.  1880 
Picea  magnifica  ...  ,,  Nov.  1882 
Wellingtonia  gigantea  „  „ 
Quercus  pannonica ...  ,,  „ 
Abies  excelsis  aurea...  ,,  Dec.  1882 
„  Inglemani  ...  ,,  „ 
Cupressus  erecta  viridis  ,,  ,, 
Picea  cnncolor  ...  „  ,, 
Abies  Menziesi  glauca  ,  „  „ 
Thuia  gigantea  ...  „  „ 
Pinus  excelsa  ...  ,,  Nov.  1883 
Picea  Pinsapo  ...  ,,  „ 
Abies  Finedonensis  ...  ,,  ,, 
Picea  magnifica  ...  „  „ 
Picea  nobilis  ...  „  Aug.  1884 
Cupressus  Lawsoniana  ,,  „ 
Purple  Beech  ...  ,,  Dec.  1884 
Scarlet  Beech  ...  ,,  ,, 
Green  Beech  ...  „  ,, 
Cedrus  deodara  ...  ,,  Dec.  1886 
Abies  Nordmanmana  ,, 
Araucaria  imbricata 
Cedrus  deodara 
Wellingtonia  gigantea 
H.R.H.  Prince  of  Wales 
H.R.H.  Princess  Christian 
Julia  Countess  of  Jersey 
The  Honble.  Jane  Macdonald 
Lady'  Bcrthwick 
Lord  Dorchester 
The  Rouble.  J.  J.  Bourke 
Countess  of  Gosford 
Honble.  F.  Capel 
Lady  Rosamond  Fellows 
Lord  Dupplin 
Lady  Muriel  Hay 
Honble.  Sybel  Capel 
Mons.  de  Falbe 
Miss  Claughton 
Bishop  of  St.  Albans 
Lady  Virginia  Sanders 
H.S.H.  Prince  Edward  Sa.ve- Weimar 
H.S.H.  Prince  Edward  Saxe- Weimar 
Madame  de  Staal 
Mons.  de  Staal 
Comte  Piper 
Comte  de  St.  Priest 
Princess  of  Wales 
Maria  Marchioness  of  Aylesbury 
Colonel  Montague 
Lady  Emily  Kingscote 
Marchioness  of  Ormonde 
Prince  John  of  Clutzberg 
Terraces  and  Flower  Gardens. 
The  terraces  and  iiower  gardens  adjacent  to  the  mansion  are  very 
extensive,  and  there  'are  some  superb  specimen  Bay  trees  18  feet  high, 
and  as  much  through,  in  tubs  here  and  there,  that  have  a  grand  effect. 
The  flower  garden  contains  very  large  beds  of  a  suitable  design  for  the 
situation.  In  the  centre  is  a  grand  fountain,  and  to  give  one  an  idea  of 
the  extent  of  this  garden  it  may  be  stated  that  80,000  bedding  plants  are 
used  annually.  Another  year  I  hope  to  describe  in  detail  this  garden,  as 
it  IS  both  novel  and  interesting  when  in  perfection. 
The  panorama  from  the  terrace  is  of  singular  beauty,  as  a  large 
extent  of  country  can  be  seen,  with  grand  belts  of  trees  beyond,  which  in 
full  autumn  glory  were  beautiful  in  the  extreme.  Then  the  noble  trees 
in  the  park,  the  green  sward,  with  fine  herds  of  cattle,  and  the  waterfowl 
on  the  lake,  made  a  picture  worthy  a  long  journey  to  see.  On  the  side 
of  the  mansion,  in  which  is  the  main  entrance,  is  a  circular  drive  with  an 
expansive  lawn,  with  a  central  equestrian  statue.  I  must  not  forget  to 
mention  some  splendid  clumps  of  Bamboos,  which  have  been  oat  some  few 
years,  and  are  very  attractive. 
The  Glass  Department. 
The  glass  is  very  extensive.  The  first  range  is  a  long  lean-to  in 
several  divisions.  The  late  vinery  containing  Black  Alicante,  Gros  IMaroc, 
and  Lady  Downe’s  is  full  of  vigour.  The  Vines  were  planted  in  February, 
1897,  and  have  given  splendid  results.  In  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
house  there  has  been  a  grand  crop,  while  plants  of  Tangierine  Oranges 
and  fpot  Figs  occupy  the  space  under  the  Vines.  Then  comes  a  show 
house,  60  feet  by  21.  with  Camellias  planted  on  the  back  wall.  The 
stages  are  occupied  with  well  grown  and  profusely  flowered  Bouvardias, 
Salvias,  Gannas,  Pelargoniums,  and  Marguerite,  a  grand  Bignonia 
venusta  covering  the  roof.  In  the  Palm  house  Kentias  and  Cycads  are 
conspicuous,  with  Cibotiums,  Alsophilas,  Adiantums,  and  one  of  the 
largest  specimen  Platyceriums  1  have  seen.  The  early  vinery  contains 
Black  Hamburgh,  of  which  bunches  are  nsually  ready  for  the  table  in 
May',  and  preparations  are  already  advanced  for  the  next  crop.  The  same 
variety  is  the  favourite  in  the  second  early  vinery. 
The  plant  houses  are  of  equal  importance.  A  three-quarter  span 
structure  48  feet  by  24  is  used  as  a  store,  the  centre  of  which  contains 
specimen  Palms,  some  noble  Bananas,  which  fruit  freely,  Dracaenas, 
Crotons,  Anthuriums,  with  flowering  plants  on  the  stages.  In  the 
cooler  section  trained  Azaleas,  occupy  the  centre,  smaller  plants  the  side, 
while  grand  plants  of  Lapagerias  rosea  and  alba  on  the  roof  are  very 
noticeable.  A  Peach  and  Fig  house  is  used  to  advance  Chrysanthemums 
to  keep  the  show  house  gay.  Of  great  value  to  Mr.  Maycock  are  several 
plant  houses,  in  which  are  500  tree  Carnations  in  48-potSj  dozens  of  well 
grown  Calanthes  producing  enormous  spikes,  and  Cypripedium  insigne 
full  of  flower  and  bud.  These  two  Orchids  as  seen  here  would  be  hard  to 
beat  for  winter  flowers.  Clerodendron  fallax  flowering  freely  is  a  distinct 
attraction,  and  as  an  autumn  decorative  plant  should  be  more  extensively 
grown.  Malmaison  Carnations,  of  which  there  is  a  grand  collection,  will 
undoubtedly  produce  some  handsome  flowers.  I  noticed  in  these  houses 
standards  on  4  feet  stems,  with  good  heads,  Aloysia  citriodora,  which  is  a 
great  favourite  with  Madame  de  Falbe.  There  are  a  dozen  or  more  of 
these,  and  they  are  certainly  novel. 
The  Rose  house  is  50  feet  long,  30  feet  wide,  and  proportionate  in 
height.  In  it  was  a  show  of  Chrysanthemums  worth  going  a  long  way 
to  see.  The  plants  were  arranged  in  banks  all  round,  and  comprised  all 
the  best  varieties  in  cultivation.  Many  of  the  blooms  would  have  done 
justice  and  credit  upon  the  exhibition  boards.  In  another  house  the 
stages  were  about  500  plants  of  Chrysanthemum  Sogur  Melaine  in  48-pots, 
well  flowered,  intermixed  with  about  200  of  the  scarlet  Salvia  splendens. 
It  was  a  novel  and  striking  combination.  A  shelf  over  the  path  was 
devoted  to  Cyclamens.  The  plants  were  in  excellent  condition,  and  will 
shortly  be  in  perfection.  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  in  48-pots,  nearly 
3  feet  high,  2  through,  from  top  to  bottom  one  mass  of  flower,  mixed  with 
Palms  and  pots  of  Roman  Hyacinths,  stage-draped  Ferns,  and  Ophio- 
pogons  made  an  attractive  display.  Well-coloured  Dracmnas,  Crotons, 
Aralias.  and  other  plants  suitable  for  table  decoration  are  largely  grown, 
as  are  Stephanotis  and  Gardenias.  Another  range  is  wholly  devoted  to 
Melon,  Cucumber,  Tomato  growing,  and  the  plants  are  still  producing 
grand  fruits.  In  the  Tomato  division  some  IMarguerite  Carnations, 
lifted  from  the  open  ground  and  potted,  are  flowering  freely. 
The  Frame  Ground. 
The  frame  ground  is  an  important  department,  in  which  alone  are 
Carnations  of  the  best  sorts  to  the  number  of  about  18,000  young  plants. 
Violets  total  up  to  over  3000  plants  in  the  frames.  Marie  Louise,  Prince 
of  Wales,  J.  .1.  Astor,  and  Comte  de  Paris  are  the  prime  favourites. 
Mushrooms  are  grown  extensively,  and  a  finer  crop  would  be  impossible 
to  find.  The  outdoor  bank  or  ridge  system  is  adopted,  and  they  were 
literally  covered  with  fleshy  Mushrooms.  Cuthbert’s  spawn  was  used. 
The  kitchen  garden  occupies  6  acres,  and  it  was  planted  with  fruit 
trees.  A  Peach  wall  100  yards  long  produces  grand  fruit.  Strawberries 
are  grown  in  pots  by  the  thousand,  and  for  forcing  Royal  Sovereign, 
President,  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury,  and  Sir  J.  Paxton  are  the 
favourites.  Vegetable  supplies  are  an  important  factor  on  an  estate  like 
this,  the  house  demand  being  verj’  great,  but  from  what  I  saw  of  the 
crops,  and  the  utilisation  of  the  ground,  nothing  is  lost,  grand  successive 
crops  being  the  order  of  the  day. 
Behind  one  of  the  long  ranges  are  the  garden  offices,  bothies,  stoke¬ 
holes,  and  fruit  room.  These  are  well  arranged,  and  the  comfort  of  the 
y'oung  men  is  well  studied,  the  rooms  for  the  outside  men  being  also  very 
convenient.  The  fruit  room  is  of  good  size  and  well  arranged,  and  the 
contents  at  the  present  time  comprise  mainly  Apples  and  Pears.  Another 
good  feature  of  this  establishment  is  the  gardener’s  house,  conveniently 
situated  near  the  offices.  It  is  a  solid,  square-built  erection,  possessing 
superior  accommodation,  and  is  occupied  by  Mr.  G.  H.  Maycock,  the 
gardener  in  chief,  who  has  held  this  important  position  for  some  years 
with  satisfaction  to  his  employer  and  great  credit  to  himself,  for  none  but 
a  thorough  practical  all  round  man  of  great  experience  could  manage  such 
a  nlace  of  importance  as  Luton  Hoo. — A.  OuTRAM. 
