its two faces. This is seen in the picture on the upper level, above the
steps to the left.
Herbaceous plants are grandly grown throughout this beautiful garden.
Specially noticeable are the fine taste and knowledge of garden effect
with which they have been used. There are not flowers everywhere, but
between the flowery portions of the garden are quiet green spaces that
rest and refresh the eye, and that give both eye and brain the best
possible preparation for a further display and enjoyment of their
beauty.
Such an example the picture shows. On either side is a border with
masses of strong-growing hardy plants--pale Monkshood, Evening Primrose,
Sweet-William, Pink Mallow--then, above the steps, only the restful turf
underfoot, and to right and left the quiet walls of yew; at the end a
group of great elms. At the foot of the steps, passing away to the
right, is another double flower-border, passing again by a turn to the
right into the quiet green walk leading to the large fountain basin.
Many a good climbing Rose, with other rambling and clambering plants,
find their homes on the terraces. A _Gloire de Dijon_ or one of its
class--_Madame Bérard_ or _Bouquet d’Or_, perhaps; either of these the
equal of the other for such garden use--rises from below the parapet of
one of the flights of steps and comes forward in happiest fellowship
with a leaden vase of fine design; the dark background of Irish Yew
making the best possible ground for both Rose and urn.
In olden days these lead ornaments were commonly painted and gilt, but
the revived taste for all that is best in gardening rightly considers
such treatment to be a desecration of a surface which with age acquires
a beautiful grey colouring and a delightful quality of colour-texture.
The painting of lead would seem to be a relic of the many toy-like
artifices in gardening that were prevalent in Tudor times. All these are
rejected in the best modern practice, though all the old ways that made
for true garden beauty and permanent growth and value have been
retained.
A clever way of utilising the stronger growing Clematises, including the
large purple Jackmanii, is here practised. They are swung
garland-fashion between a row of Apple-trees that borders one of the
walks. Hops are used in the same way. It was perhaps a remembrance of
Italy, where Vines are trained to swing between the Mulberries.
The beautiful pale yellow Carnation, named _Pride of Penshurst_, was
raised in this good garden, where everything tells of the truest
sympathy with all that is best in English horticulture. Not the least
among the soothing and satisfying influences of the pleasure-grounds of
Penshurst, is the entire absence of the specimen conifer, that, with its
wearisome repetition of single examples of young firs and pines, has
brought such a displeasing element of restless confusion into so many
pleasure-grounds.