[Illustration: PLATE 104
Ancient boxwood
Montpelier, Va. Mrs. William du Pont
_Reproduced by permission of Doubleday, Page & Co. From "Country Homes
of Famous Americans"--Oliver B. Capen_]
[Illustration: PLATE 105
Montpelier, Va. Mrs. William du Pont
_Reproduced by permission of Doubleday, Page & Co. From "Country Homes
of Famous Americans"--Oliver B. Capen_]
[Illustration: PLATE 106
Montpelier, Va. Mrs. William du Pont]
[Illustration: PLATE 107
Montpelier, Va. Mrs. William du Pont]
[Illustration: PLATE 108
"Rose Hill"]
[Illustration: PLATE 109
"Rose Hill," Greenwood, Va. Mrs. W. R. Massie]
[Illustration: PLATE 110
"Meadowbrook Manor," Drewry's Bluff, Va. Mrs. Thomas F. Jeffress]
[Illustration: PLATE 111
Richmond, Va. Garden of Mann S. Valentine, Esq.
_From a photograph by Jessie Tarbox Beals_]
IX
SOUTH CAROLINA
There are few new gardens in South Carolina, but an untold number of old
ones deserving to be revived. Around Charleston, especially, old-time
mansions, quaint walls, and gateways abound that are an inspiration to
lovers of graceful antiquities. To restore an abandoned garden must be
indeed a joy to one with enough imagination to recreate flower places
fitted to the surroundings.
The illustrations in this chapter give some idea of the richness of the
early gardens laid out by the wealthy owners of many generations past.
Magnolia-on-the-Ashley, considered by some as one of the world's most
beautiful sights, especially in springtime, is the most famous place in
the State. It is owned by Colonel Drayton Hastie, who inherited it from
his grandfather, the Reverend Mr. Drayton, an Episcopalian minister, in
whose family it had remained since the latter part of the seventeenth
century. In the days of the Reverend Mr. Drayton it was discovered that
the garden had been laid out over land containing extremely valuable
phosphate deposits, but neither he nor his descendants would have the
place disturbed for the sake of an increased fortune, and the garden
continues as it was, the delight in early spring of visitors from all
over the world. To quote one who resides near by: "The garden first came
into notice about a hundred years ago. In spite of all the cultivation,
it still suggests the heart of the forest, with the old Oak and gray
moss and wild flowers mingling with Cherokee Roses, Jessamine, etc.
These Magnolia gardens are not only wonderfully beautiful, but, I
believe, quite unique. The great show is not Magnolias, or even the
Camellias, although they are lovely--but the Azaleas, which grow in such
profusion and variety of shades that one loses all sense of individual
plant and flowers and perceives only glowing, gleaming masses of color
veiled by festoons of gray moss, giving one a delicious feeling of
unreality, almost enchantment. In Owen Wister's 'Lady Baltimore' there
is a beautiful description of Magnolia. The coloring on the post-cards
is not in the least exaggerated." Live Oaks over two centuries old
draped with gray moss suspended from the branches! This wonderful growth
is not an uncommon sight in the Southern States.
Columbia, the capital, has the famous Preston garden, and for many
generations this beautiful property remained in the families of the
Hamptons and Prestons. By a marriage a century ago the Hampton estate
came into the possession of the Prestons, and for many years the stately
garden with its aged Box and shade trees, its choice shrubs and plants,
has been an object of veneration to garden lovers. A descendant writes:
"There is no interest of importance attached to the past history of the
Preston place, except that it has sheltered quite well known persons in
its day, Henry Clay, Thackeray, and Miss Martineau among others, for its
owner had acquaintances among prominent people in this country as well
as abroad, and delighted in showing them hospitality when they happened
in his neighborhood." After the war it shared the fate of almost all the
other Southern estates that could no longer be maintained as in former
years, and finally became a woman's college, and once more receives the
needed care.
In the low coastal country, including Charleston, spring opens in
February with Camellias, Daffodils, and bulbs. German Iris appears at
Charleston soon after March 15, Phlox in June. Delphinium and Hollyhock
and some others do not thrive in this section. The flowers that are
carried over for autumn bloom are hardy Chrysanthemum, with Cosmos,
Salvia, Marigolds, and Zinnias, and a few others able under care to
resist the summer heat. Frost may come by November 15, but in winter
thin ice forms only about three times, with the thermometer at
twenty-five degrees. White Camellias sometimes begin to blossom at
Christmas time. Such is the climate of this level. In the higher regions
of the State climatic conditions are somewhat different and the summer
heat is not as extreme.
[Illustration: PLATE 112
Azalea, Magnolia, and Camellia bloom
"Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton Hastie
_From a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc._]
[Illustration: PLATE 113
Live oaks, with gray moss suspended from branches
"Magnolia Garden," Charleston, S. C. Colonel Drayton Hastie
_From a photograph by The Carolina Arts and Crafts, Inc._]
[Illustration: PLATE 114
"Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.
_From a photograph by Lyle & Escobar_]
[Illustration: PLATE 115
"Preston Garden"]
[Illustration: PLATE 116
"Preston Garden," Columbia, S. C.
_From photographs by Lyle & Escobar_]
X
GEORGIA AND FLORIDA
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.
[Illustration: PLATE 117
The outer court surrounding the main garden
"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. Crowell]
[Illustration: PLATE 118
A glimpse into the inner garden
"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. Crowell]
[Illustration: PLATE 119
"Green Court," Augusta, Ga. Mrs. H. P. Crowell
_From a photograph by A. H. Chaffee_]
[Illustration: PLATE 120
Tropical growth, Palm Beach, Fla.
_From a photograph by Brown Brothers_]
XI
TENNESSEE AND MISSOURI
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. This garden, 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 for _summer_ flower 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 autumn decorations. 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.
[Illustration: PLATE 121
"Rostrevor," Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. William C. Ross
_From a photograph by James E. Thompson_]
[Illustration: PLATE 122
Longview, Tenn. Mrs. James E. Caldwell
_From a photograph by G. C. Dury Co. Reproduced by permission of the
author of "Your Garden and Mine"_]
[Illustration: PLATE 123
"Hazelwood," Kinloch, Mo. Mrs. Samuel W. Fordyce]
XII
ILLINOIS AND INDIANA
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 full justice 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 in other 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-loving plants 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.
[Illustration: PLATE 124
Lake Forest, Ill. Harold McCormick, Esq.
_From a photograph by Julian A. Buckly_]
[Illustration: PLATE 125
"Hardin Hall," Hubbard's Wood, Ill. Mrs. John H. Hardin]
[Illustration: PLATE 126
"The Farms"]
[Illustration: PLATE 127
"The Farms," Monticello, Ill. Robert Allerton, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 128
The rock garden, "Englishton Park"]
[Illustration: PLATE 129
The rock garden, "Englishton Park," Lexington, Ind. Mrs. W. E.
English]
XIII
OHIO
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.
[Illustration: PLATE 130
"Gwinn," Cleveland, Ohio. William G. Mather, Esq.
_From a photograph by Julian A Buckly_]
[Illustration: PLATE 131
A picturesque spot in Mrs. Taft's garden]
[Illustration: PLATE 132
A corner in the pergola
Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. Taft]
[Illustration: PLATE 133
The water garden
Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. Taft]
[Illustration: PLATE 134
The water garden
"Shadyside," Painesville, Ohio. Mrs. H. P. Knapp]
[Illustration: PLATE 135
"Indian Hill"]
[Illustration: PLATE 136
"Indian Hill," Mentor, Ohio. Mrs. John E. Newell]
XIV
MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN
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 planting over 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.