PLATE 112 "Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton HastiePLATE 112Azalea, Magnolia, and Camellia bloom"Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton HastieFrom a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc.
PLATE 113 "Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton HastiePLATE 113Live oaks, with gray moss suspended from branches"Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton HastieFrom a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc.
PLATE 114 "Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.PLATE 114"Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.From a photograph by Lyle & Escobar
PLATE 115 "Preston Garden"PLATE 115"Preston Garden"
PLATE 116 "Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.PLATE 116"Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.From photographs by Lyle & Escobar
Summer gardens, on account of the climate, are not attempted in the States of the far South; but as popular winter and spring resorts the grounds at these seasons about the villas and hotels are adorned with Palms, Roses, and other plants adapted to the climate. Charming spring gardens in formal designs are found in Georgia, where, because of its somewhat cooler climate and better soil, there are a greater number of private estates than in Florida. The former State doubtless suffered more than any other in the Civil War and, consequently, enforced neglect of the old gardens brought ruin to most of them. At present some of the finest places in Georgia are delightfully located outside of the larger towns, and many gardens, some new and others renewed after a half-century of oblivion, adorn the home grounds of those who are so fortunate as to reside here at the most favored seasons.
The illustrations of the gardens at Green Court are fair samples of the extensive planting in many places. Spring bulbs begin to open in this lovely spot by the middle of February, Camellias often come in January, German Iris appears the middle of March, Delphiniums in April.
In Georgia the summer heat finishes most of the bloom, and few would venture with autumn flowers. "The Roses, however, when well tended, rest during summer to bloom gloriously again in October and until the time of light frost, which comes in December." The interior of the larger garden at Green Court, surrounded with its splendid outer court, is more spacious than the glimpse through the gateway would suggest. The charm of this enclosure, like Southern hospitality, is a combination of bountifulness and grateful simplicity. Green Court deserves to stand as a representative garden of its State.
With an almost similar climate the adjoining State of Alabama has its gardens also, but, unfortunately, photographs are not now available.
Palms of every description are the characteristic plants of Florida. The State is generally flat and open, but in the north the country is more wooded, often wild and swampy, with picturesque winding little rivers meandering to the coasts.
The conditions in the populous districts of Louisiana and Texas are so similar to Florida, where gardens are concerned, that it is unnecessary to use further space in describing plant life in these States.
PLATE 117 "Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. CrowellPLATE 117The outer court surrounding the main garden"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. Crowell
PLATE 118 "Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. CrowellPLATE 118A glimpse into the inner garden"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. Crowell
PLATE 119 "Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. CrowellPLATE 119"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. CrowellFrom a photograph by A. H. Chaffee
PLATE 120 Tropical growth, Palm Beach, Fla.PLATE 120Tropical growth, Palm Beach, Fla.From a photograph by Brown Brothers
From Tennessee the following description of its garden life is agreeably presented: "Here in the South interest in this subject is always increasing. We have many old and beautiful gardens full of sentiment. The mistress of the place is always head gardener, and in no instance does she relinquish her position to another. I am filled with enthusiasm in garden matters, and would preach the gospel of the garden to all women."
Daffodils appear in February, Lilies-of-the-Valley and Cottage Tulips in mid-April, German Iris soon after. The droughts of midsummer may injure but not necessarily destroy the flowers. The winter thermometer occasionally falls to twenty degrees above zero in the cooler districts, and such plants as Snapdragon and Campanula medium are more safely wintered in a slat-frame. But winter once over the tender annuals can be put out as early as April 25. These conditions apply almost equally to the neighboring States of Kentucky and North Carolina, having as well their records for old-time gardens.
The planting at Rostrevor speaks delightfully for the many others belonging to this section of the South. Thisgarden, filled with Lilies and other blossoms, shows that the Southern woman is as truly a flower lover as were they who planted the early gardens in the days before the war.
What more tantalizing to the garden devotee than the glimpse beyond the gates of Longview garden as illustrated in this chapter, and again in a later section? Such views as these, so exceedingly artistic in themselves, suggest a still more lovely interior, at present withheld because adequate photographs are lacking.
In Missouri, as in Kansas and elsewhere in the Middle West, there is great variableness of climate from year to year, and never is it an ideal district forsummerflower gardens. While much attention is being given to shrubbery and perennial beds bordering the lawn, there are few actual gardens, formal or otherwise. The discouragements of a trying summer climate limit the bloom in most of the places to the flowers of spring and June. Early flowering plants and bulbs, German Iris, Foxglove, Canterbury Bells, Columbine, Peonies, Lilium candidum, Roses, and Hollyhocks, give considerable satisfaction. But many other perennials are not at all permanent. To quote an experienced amateur gardener: "The climate of Kansas City, Missouri, is subject to every eccentricity, and at times is very trying. One of my experiences was a four or five inch snow-storm on the 3d of May after a month of warm spring weather, when German Iris and many other things were in full bloom, and Peonies in bud. Everything was mashed down and then it froze.Often when Peonies have been in bloom torrential rains have nearly ruined them. The greatest trouble with the summer garden is the extreme heat and dryness of the air. The earth can be kept moist around the plants, but many things wither in the dry air. With the greatest care a garden of annuals might be kept looking fairly well through July and August, but I am glad to get away from mine early in July."
The climate of these adjoining Middle States is practically the same throughout, with possibly even more sunshine than in the eastern States. "In May and June there are frequent heavy showers, but rarely all-day rains. In the later summer and autumn cloudy days are exceptional. The eastern side of Missouri is said to be slightly cooler than the western part; Kansas City averages a somewhat higher summer temperature than Washington, D. C., which is in the same latitude. Spring bulbs and many spring perennials appear three weeks earlier than near New York City." The gardens usually look spent by September, but in the cooler sections, with an extra amount of summer care, there may be still seen flowers sufficient to adorn a garden during some weeks of autumn.
The garden at Hazelwood, near St. Louis, is laid out with curving grass paths and broad beds. The bright display begins with Daffodils, and the beds retain rich bloom into the middle of June. In September, after good care, Marigolds, Zinnias, Snapdragon, Cosmos, hardy Asters, Chrysanthemum, and Helenium are the autumndecorations. Frost usually finishes everything about October 15. The winter temperature is often ten degrees below, and the tender plants, like Foxglove and Pansies, are more safely wintered under slat-frames covered with straw, and Larkspurs should have a light covering of leaves. Surely the gardens that are faithfully tended through such changes and chances of climate as found in this section bespeak the highest degree of devoted patience.
PLATE 121 quot;Rostrevor," Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. William C. RossPLATE 121"Rostrevor," Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. William C. RossFrom a photograph by James E. Thompson
PLATE 122 Longview, Tenn. Mrs. James E. CaldwellPLATE 122Longview, Tenn. Mrs. James E. CaldwellFrom a photograph by G. C. Dury Co. Reproduced by permission of the author of "Your Garden and Mine"
PLATE 123 "Hazelwood," Kinloch, Mo. Mrs. Samuel W. FordycePLATE 123"Hazelwood," Kinloch, Mo. Mrs. Samuel W. Fordyce
Illinois, with its claim to countless fine estates, includes a plentiful share of gardens, and more especially in the lake region, where luxuriant growths of trees tell of congenial soil and climate. As a background the great lake stretches like a sea beyond many of the beautiful flower-borders, which bloom almost as richly as those near the distant ocean.
Unfortunately some of the finest plantings are not illustrated in this book, which is limited to gardens of a formal design, and the type characteristic of Illinois is mostly informal, as so frequently seen in America,—an arrangement which does not lend itself satisfactorily to photography. In such a plan the flowers are usually massed in long, broad beds bordering the lawn, the front lines are laid in irregular curves, with trees and shrubs for the background. Groups of shrubs with other beds are sometimes used to break a wide stretch of lawn, and make a rambling and delightful sort of garden scheme. But in photography detail is lost when the camera is at sufficient distance to include more than a small section of such a design. For this reason pictures can never do fulljustice to the flower planting on such notable places as those of Albert N. Day, Esq., Lake Forest; Wm. C. Egan, Esq., Egandale, Highland Park; George Higginson, Esq., Meadow Farm; and W. G. Hibbard, Esq., both at Winnetka, and many others.
The spring display of late Tulips at Highland Park and Lake Forest is especially remarkable. Masses of Darwins and Cottage varieties in perfect color blending are planted everywhere, in the woods, in shrubbery, and in borders.
The illustration of the formal garden at Lake Forest, owned by Harold McCormick, Esq., gives a vivid idea of the form and finish of this charming place, which must always stand among the best of middle West gardens, well favored in the beauty of its surrounding trees and generously planted with perennials and shrubs. It has the charm of individuality rather uncommon to large gardens, and stands for that welcome type which seeks to be itself.
Hardin Hall garden, with the great lake as a background, has recently joined the ranks of beautiful American gardens. Every new garden is as a jewel added to the crown of its State, and this little gem in planting is noted throughout the North Shore. Stepping-stones in the grass lead to another green enclosure, designed on a less formal plan,—the whole scheme being most artistically conceived.
The climate near the lake is slightly cooler than inother localities, spring opening from one to two weeks later than inland. The difference in time of spring bloom on this shore and near New York City is only about a week. The climate on the lake front is especially variable. The country is a flat upland broken with wooded ravines.
Out in central Illinois, in Piatt County, there are fifteen thousand acres belonging to a famous estate beyond Monticello. The Farms contains delightful gardens on an extensive scale, quite English in design, and as far as possible in keeping with the Georgian architecture of the house. Juniper Hibernica is freely used over the main garden, enriching with its deep evergreen tones the broad expanse of flower-bordered beds. The walls are covered with Chinese Wistarias, Japanese Honeysuckle, trained peach trees, nectarines, pears, and plums.
Monticello is in the latitude of Philadelphia; the blooming dates almost correspond, but frost destroys a trifle earlier. The highest summer thermometer rarely reaches one hundred degrees, sometimes dropping in winter to twenty-seven degrees below. Tender annuals can usually be planted out after May 15. Mulching and watering is necessary to preserve the summer bloomers.
Famous in the annals of southern Indiana is the large estate at Lexington known as Englishton Park, and for six generations the property of the English family.
Problems of insufficient rain, poor soil, and rocky ground have been overcome by most scientific measures, and now a pool filled with Lilies and bordered with water-lovingplants is a feature of a wonderful rock garden abundantly and tastefully planted with the perennials most suitable for rocks or for moisture. The Rose garden near by and long path leading to the house, bordered with beds of perennials, are further delightful tributes to the devoted labor of one who has spent much time on this, her gladdest task.
PLATE 124 Lake Forest, Ill. Harold McCormick, Esq.PLATE 124Lake Forest, Ill. Harold McCormick, Esq.From a photograph by Julian A. Buckly
PLATE 125 "Hardin Hall," Hubbard's Wood, Ill. Mrs. John H. HardinPLATE 125"Hardin Hall," Hubbard's Wood, Ill. Mrs. John H. Hardin
PLATE 126 "The Farms"PLATE 126"The Farms"
PLATE 127 "The Farms," Monticello, Ill. Robert Allerton, Esq.PLATE 127"The Farms," Monticello, Ill. Robert Allerton, Esq.
PLATE 128 The rock garden, "Englishton Park"PLATE 128The rock garden, "Englishton Park"
PLATE 129 The rock garden, "Englishton Park," Lexington, Ind. Mrs. W. E. EnglishPLATE 129The rock garden, "Englishton Park," Lexington, Ind. Mrs. W. E. English
The difference is slight between the climate of Ohio and other States of its latitude in the East and middle West. While there is no mountainous region, northern Ohio has the advantage of a great lake as its border. On a line with central Connecticut, the temperature of Cleveland is similarly favorable to flower growing, and garden enthusiasts are increasing. Like most of the Middle States, the country is rather flat and the soil fertile as a rule. But, except on the lake shore, the gardens suffer more or less from the hot weather and scarcity of moisture.
In the northern half of Ohio spring bulbs appear simultaneously with those in northern New Jersey, and the later plants follow in the same succession. The southern half of Ohio is in the latitude of Maryland and its climatic conditions are almost similar. The spring and June gardens in the middle West give the best satisfaction. The climate is variable, as it is elsewhere throughout the country.
One charming illustration conveys some idea of the garden at Gwinn, which is eight miles from Cleveland,and undoubtedly the most notable in this State. By early April the spring garden blooms with Hepatica, Crocus, Chionodoxa, Scilla, Sundrops, Pansy, English Daisy, Spring Beauty, Bloodroot, Trillium, Cypripedium, Violet, Tulip, Hyacinth, and Daffodil, followed soon by many later garden favorites. Sufficient water is supplied to carry the bloom safely through midsummer and September, and year by year the beauty of this garden is increasing with the maturing of its trees and shrubbery, and all that tends to complete the dignity of so noble a design.
So artistically wrought are all the various features contributing to the beauty of the Clifton garden that choice of illustrations is made difficult when selection is limited to so few. This fact explains the omission of the little flower garden which even though charming must give place to the accompanying remarkable views.
Not far from Cleveland Shadyside, on the lake, is another place of interest to flower lovers, and here a small formal garden has been recently completed in addition to the older water garden. This delightful spot is worthy of particular attention not only on account of the variety of plants adorning its banks, but for its picturesque setting as well.
Indian Hill offers a glimpse of a fair little garden, with no suggestion of display; a vine-covered bower surrounded with flowers,—a creation of simple loveliness.
PLATE 130 "Gwinn," Cleveland, Ohio. William G. Mather, Esq.PLATE 130"Gwinn," Cleveland, Ohio. William G. Mather, Esq.From a photograph by Julian A Buckly
PLATE 131 A picturesque spot in Mrs. Taft's gardenPLATE 131A picturesque spot in Mrs. Taft's garden
PLATE 132 Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. TaftPLATE 132A corner in the pergolaClifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. Taft
PLATE 133 Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. TaftPLATE 133The water gardenClifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. Taft
PLATE 134 "Shadyside," Painesville, Ohio. Mrs. H. P. KnappPLATE 134The water garden"Shadyside," Painesville, Ohio. Mrs. H. P. Knapp
PLATE 135 "Indian Hill"PLATE 135"Indian Hill"
PLATE 136 "Indian Hill," Mentor, Ohio. Mrs. John E. NewellPLATE 136"Indian Hill," Mentor, Ohio. Mrs. John E. Newell
Favored indeed are the gardens of these States, which border on the Great Lakes, some five hundred and eighty feet above sea-level. The country in most parts is fertile and flat, with a climate superior to that of New England in summer, and winters equally as cold. To quote our well known garden friend, Mrs. Francis King, of Alma, in central Michigan: "We have a very fine summer climate, most favorable to gardening; no humidity whatsoever, but dry and bracing, and while a short summer, a merry one for flowers. We must plan for a late spring, and frost is due in early September; but when we have learned these things it is very simple to arrange for them. Our rainfall is usually sufficient, and we practically never suffer from the heat. Hardy Chrysanthemums need a very sheltered position in winter. At Detroit, one hundred and fifty miles southeast of Alma, the trees are in spring foliage almost ten days earlier, partly owing to the distance southward and partly to the warming influence of Lake St. Clair."
The garden at Orchard House, Alma, so vividly described in "The Well-Considered Garden," is too familiar to most gardeners to need description. Briefly, the plantingover the large space is all balanced in predominating colors of rose, lavender, white, and palest yellow. Gray foliage and white flowers are freely used, and through the entire summer there is not one week when the whole garden is not gay with flowers from June until frost.
To the northeast of Alma is the lovely garden at Garra-tigh, where Daffodils bloom, as in Alma, three weeks later than near the city of New York. Bay City is in the latitude of Portland, Maine, and central Oregon. This attractive garden shows the effective combination of flowers and trees so well arranged that the trees are not detrimental to the vigor of the plants, and the sunny garden space is doubly radiant by contrast, lying within the trees' encircling shadows. Garra-tigh is the Gaelic for House with the Garden.
Near Detroit, at Fairlawn, Grosse Pointe Shores, on Lake St. Clair, where the country is flat and fertile, there is another delightful place of interest noted for the abundance of flowers covering several acres of land. The accompanying photograph was made in early September, when the best of the bloom had passed. In June and July the place is a glory with Lilies, Columbine, and Delphinium that are counted in hundreds, and earlier there are Tulips and Daffodils by the thousands. Behind the broad borders that edge the walks vegetables grow in great quantities. Early Tulips come the first week of May, late Tulips about May 20. Climate and soil combine to simplify the gardening tasks in this productive country.
The House in the Woods, on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has a beautiful garden so well planned that it seems like an outdoor room to this charming villa. The planting scheme is moderate, easily maintained, and yet with beds broad enough to include without difficulty the plants for a long, continuous bloom. Opposite the house the picturesque studio, standing out against the wooded background, borders the garden on this side so that it lies within an enclosed court.
PLATE 137 "Orchard House," Alma, Mich. Mrs. Francis KingPLATE 137"Orchard House," Alma, Mich. Mrs. Francis King
PLATE 138 "Garra-tigh," Bay City, Mich. Mrs. William L. ClementsPLATE 138"Garra-tigh," Bay City, Mich. Mrs. William L. Clements
PLATE 139 "Fairlawn," Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. Mrs. Benjamin S. WarrenPLATE 139"Fairlawn," Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. Mrs. Benjamin S. Warren
PLATE 140 Studio from main housePLATE 140Studio from main house
PLATE 141 "House-in-the-Woods," Lake Geneva, Wis. Frederic Clay Bartlett, Esq.PLATE 141Court from studio terrace"House-in-the-Woods," Lake Geneva, Wis. Frederic Clay Bartlett, Esq.
The mountainous States of the West, from Montana to New Mexico, from Colorado almost to the Pacific, have a climate of their own, varying naturally according to latitude. A resident of Las Cruces, New Mexico, writes: "The first killing frost is usually to be expected from the 7th to the 25th of October, very often it is much later, and we have had tomatoes till December with the slightest possible protection. Many flowers in a sheltered position bloom in winter, such as Calendula, Violets, Wallflowers, and Pansies. The highest ordinary summer thermometer is ninety-two to ninety-eight degrees. The lowest usually in winter is fifteen degrees—occasionally it has gone down to fifteen or twenty degrees below zero, but that is most exceptional. The climate is extremely dry. Most of New Mexico is at a high altitude—we are about three thousand eight hundred feet above sea-level here.
"As some plants blossom through the winter, it is hard to say when the garden begins to bloom. But about the middle of March we have Crocuses, followed the 1st of April by Jonquils, Narcissus, Tulips, and other bulbs,also German Iris, Lilac, Periwinkles, Cornflower, Mignonette. In the mountains near-by the California Poppies bloom at the same time. Then about mid-April come Tea Roses—and at the end of April or soon after the Peonies and Sweet Peas. The 1st of May or a little later Honeysuckles, Phlox, Snapdragon, Zinnias, and annual Larkspurs appear. Almost everything that is not extremely tender can be wintered in open ground without protection. Tender annuals should be planted out about the end of March. I transplanted some things last year the end of April, and the noonday sun was too much for them, though I shaded them for some time. We plant seeds of Pansies, Asters, Sweet Peas, etc., in the fall for best results."
The garden at Mr. Barker's mountain home is delightfully fitted to its surroundings, where nature is supreme and all else studied simplicity. Flowers revel in their freedom without the restriction of conventional beds. Flowers, nature, and the simple life of the Southern hills is the message from this distant home.
PLATE 142 Las Cruces, N. M. Percy W. Barker, Esq.PLATE 142Las Cruces, N. M. Percy W. Barker, Esq.
The garden section of this State extends the length of its coast, and possibly fifty miles inland, and much is conveyed in a few words when it is described as one garden throughout this whole region. In the hill country mountains are admirable settings to tropical gardens, and from there to the sandy shores a delectable climate with prevailing westerly sea-winds encourages phenomenal growth of the choicest plants.
Southern California is particularly blessed with a clear, dry, and balmy climate. Quoting an authority in Santa Barbara: "There is practically no frost in southern California; in the north there is some. There are flowers in our gardens at all times of the year. Tulips bloom in February and March; Daffodils, German Iris, and other hardies from February to May; also Lilies-of-the-Valley, which latter are more scarce on account of the dryness of the atmosphere. From March till autumn there is bloom from Sweet William, Phlox, and many others of their kind, while Geranium, the common Marguerite, and Heliotrope grow all the year around and become large bushes. Roses cover the tops of some villas; Cosmos, CaliforniaPoppy, Zinnia, Nasturtium, and Stock are among the favorite annuals; and all, whether hardy or tender, may be planted out in March when the winter rains are over. Some of the favorite exotic shrubs used for their bloom are the Acacias, Genista, etc., Solanums, and Choisia Ternata." Quite common are the great Poinsetta plants and the soft, trailing Bougainvillea, with its exquisite red matching in tone the color of our autumn leaves. Boxwood is little used in this climate. Toward San Francisco and northward it is found in greater quantity. To the south it is replaced by Myrtus communis nanus, Myrtus microphylla, Veronica Andersonii for low hedges; Monterey Cypress, Eugenia myrtifolia, different species of Ligustrum (Privet), which are all evergreen here, Duranta Plumerii, and others.
The highest temperature in Santa Barbara for a few days in fall is about eighty-six degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest in winter is forty degrees for a few days. The summers are very cool. The climate of Santa Barbara is quite similar to Sorrento, Italy, only better. The farther north on the coast the more rain. In Santa Barbara there is sunshine continually, except for the brief period of rain in winter. The warmest months are August, September, and October. From May to August there are fogs at night along the coast which keep the temperature down during the day.
In this paradise of sunshine and flowers are found a bewildering number of wonderful subjects for photography,some of which must give an idea of the favored vegetation of California.
At Kimberly Crest, as in the other views, most conspicuous is the brilliant clearness of the atmosphere. This beautiful country-seat is a sample of many which are built more or less on a similar plan, and especially noted for their profusion of choicest shrubs, trees, and flowering plants.
At Glendessary is found one of California's favorite gardens, where the strong sunshine is moderated by the plentiful use of trees so carefully arranged that the shadows do not disturb the growths of flowers, which bloom abundantly throughout this lovely place.
The flower garden at Piranhurst, named for Saint Piran, an Irish saint, is exceedingly picturesque. The wonderful Greek Theatre, with its wings of tall, clipped Cypress, is without a rival in this country. The design was modelled after one at the Villa Gori, in Italy. This remarkable planting, together with the Roses and other flora in the adjoining garden, combine to make it one of the most famous places on the coast. The owner of Piranhurst is also possessor of the garden at Ross, partly shown in the view of a fountain, with its hill background covered with massively grouped Hydrangeas and Rose vines.
Perfectly complete in every detail is the lovely pool in Doctor Schiffman's garden. It seems more a product of the Old World across the sea, while fitting so happily into the tropical atmosphere of Pasadena.
The marvellous growth of Banksia and Cherokee Roses, the field of Marguerites, and the background of snow-peaked mountains, all so characteristic of California, belong to Cañon Crest Park, an estate well known to many travellers. Wonderful, too, are the Palms that overarch the driveway, and beautiful the gardens and panorama beyond.
The Cactus planting of a San Diego garden is an interesting study in the horticulture of California—this most favored State of the great Union.
PLATE 143 "Kimberly Crest"PLATE 143"Kimberly Crest"
PLATE 144 "Kimberly Crest," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. J. A. KimberlyPLATE 144"Kimberly Crest," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. J. A. Kimberly
PLATE 145 "Glendessary," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. R. C. RogersPLATE 145"Glendessary," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. R. C. RogersFrom a photograph by Brock-Higgins
PLATE 146 The Greek Theatre—the stagePLATE 146The Greek Theatre—the stage
PLATE 147 "Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry BothinPLATE 147The Greek Theatre—the boxes"Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin
PLATE 148 "Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry BothinPLATE 148"Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin
PLATE 149 Ross, Cal. Mrs. Henry BothinPLATE 149Ross, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin
PLATE 150 Pasadena, Cal. Rev. Mr. SchiffmanPLATE 150Pasadena, Cal. Rev. Mr. SchiffmanFrom a photograph, copyright, by Detroit Publishing Co.
PLATE 151 "Cañon Crest Park"PLATE 151"Cañon Crest Park"
PLATE 152 "Cañon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel SmileyPLATE 152"Cañon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel Smiley
PLATE 153 "Cañon Crest Park"PLATE 153"Cañon Crest Park"
PLATE 154 "Cañon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel SmileyPLATE 154"Cañon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel Smiley
PLATE 155 A Cactus garden, Riverside, Cal.PLATE 155A Cactus garden, Riverside, Cal.Typical growth in CaliforniaFrom a photograph by Brown Brothers
In this coast region of the Northwest, shrubs, trees, and vines develop rapidly and give sooner to the garden the appearance of completeness than is the case in the drier climates. An authority from Portland says: "The growing season is long, lasting from March 1 to November 1, and in the places where lawns are well kept they are green throughout the entire winter. At this period, however, the grass does not grow enough to require clipping. Several shrubs, such as the Laurestinus, remain in foliage throughout the entire winter. Usually a few belated Roses are found on the bushes as late as Christmas, not the perfect blooms of summer, by any means, but sufficiently good-looking to adorn a vase in the drawing-room. The freezing weather would ordinarily come in January and be very limited in duration." In February the spring bulbs, Daffodils and Forsythia, appear.
At Tacoma and throughout the coast section of Washington the climate differs but slightly from that of Portland, Oregon, the latter having probably less rain and mist, but the whole coast is ideal for flowers. The summer is the dryest season, when gardens will require some sprinklingbut not to the extent necessary in most portions of the country. Another authority states that in this northwest coast district it is clear 43 per cent of the year between sunrise and sunset. On an average, 80 clear days, 122 partly clear days, 163 cloudy days. A day which is up to three-tenths cloudy is classed as clear. A day four-tenths to seven-tenths cloudy is classed as partly clear. Days in excess of four-tenths cloudy classed as cloudy.
Near Tacoma, among majestic surroundings of forest and lake, with Mount Tacoma as a background, are the famous gardens of Thornewood, rich in flowers and shrubs and splendid garden architecture. Trees and hedges will wither and die, but the "everlasting hills" and the silver waters of American Lake will form a perpetual background to this beautiful place, built in 1880 and standing as the pioneer great garden of the State.
Gardens even in the cities are becoming numerous, and attached to many fine residences the planting, though now in its youth, promises to add great adornment in the near future to these municipalities of the Northwest. Mr. Merrill's spacious place in Seattle, partly shown in two small views, illustrates the delightful possibilities of a town garden.
The Rose hedge and lovely Rose garden at Rose Crest are typical of hundreds of others in Portland. The hedges are usually made up of Madame Caroline Testout Roses, the most popular sort there; in fact, Portland's official emblem. By June 1, along the curbing of the avenues,there are miles of Roses in bloom, and, as may be imagined, the effect is very pleasing. The climate of western Oregon is quite similar to favored portions of England, but has the advantage of more sunshine. The variety of vegetation is almost endless. Plants native to England will grow here that will not thrive in other parts of the United States, and the gardening tasks are simple in comparison to the toil necessary where gardens are subject to greater extremes of heat, cold, drought, and similar problems.
Cliff Cottage and High Hatch, both about six miles south of Portland, on the Willamette River, possess gardens in their beginning, both interestingly planned and already known to garden lovers even beyond the limits of that State. The Cliff Cottage garden is designed in four terraces, with a rich background of primeval trees. Dwarf fruit trees and vegetables fill the beds that are all bordered with flowers. The stone stairway leading to the several terraces is in keeping with the natural surroundings of a wooded hillside. Rock planting is also a feature. The landscape in the distance is a beautiful outlook.
High Hatch has a combination of upper and lower garden, partly in a rock garden, spread out over considerable undulating land with winding gravel paths and stone stairs connecting the various parts. A wide white stone balustrade divides the broad lawn from the gardens below, and a fine growth of aged pines completes the adornment of the place.