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.
[Illustration: PLATE 137
"Orchard House," Alma, Mich. Mrs. Francis King]
[Illustration: PLATE 138
"Garra-tigh," Bay City, Mich. Mrs. William L. Clements]
[Illustration: PLATE 139
"Fairlawn," Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich. Mrs. Benjamin S. Warren]
[Illustration: PLATE 140
Studio from main house]
[Illustration: PLATE 141
Court from studio terrace
"House-in-the-Woods," Lake Geneva, Wis. Frederic Clay Bartlett, Esq.]
XV
NEW MEXICO
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.
[Illustration: PLATE 142
Las Cruces, N. M. Percy W. Barker, Esq.]
XVI
CALIFORNIA
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, California Poppy, 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 Canon 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.
[Illustration: PLATE 143
"Kimberly Crest"]
[Illustration: PLATE 144
"Kimberly Crest," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. J. A. Kimberly]
[Illustration: PLATE 145
"Glendessary," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. R. C. Rogers
_From a photograph by Brock-Higgins_]
[Illustration: PLATE 146
The Greek Theatre--the stage]
[Illustration: PLATE 147
The Greek Theatre--the boxes
"Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin]
[Illustration: PLATE 148
"Piranhurst," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin]
[Illustration: PLATE 149
Ross, Cal. Mrs. Henry Bothin]
[Illustration: PLATE 150
Pasadena, Cal. Rev. Mr. Schiffman
_From a photograph, copyright, by Detroit Publishing Co._]
[Illustration: PLATE 151
"Canon Crest Park"]
[Illustration: PLATE 152
"Canon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel Smiley]
[Illustration: PLATE 153
"Canon Crest Park"]
[Illustration: PLATE 154
"Canon Crest Park," Redlands, Cal. Mrs. Daniel Smiley]
[Illustration: PLATE 155
A Cactus garden, Riverside, Cal.
Typical growth in California
_From a photograph by Brown Brothers_]
XVII
OREGON AND WASHINGTON
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
sprinkling but 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.
[Illustration: PLATE 156
"Thornewood," Tacoma, Wash. Mrs. Chester Thorne]
[Illustration: PLATE 157
"Thornewood"]
[Illustration: PLATE 158
"Thornewood," Tacoma, Wash. Chester Thorne, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 159
Seattle, Wash. Robert Merrill, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 160
Seattle, Wash. Robert Merrill, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 161
Section of a Rose hedge bordering an avenue in Portland, Ore.]
[Illustration: PLATE 162
"Rosecrest," Portland Heights, Portland, Ore. Mrs. F. I. Fuller]
[Illustration: PLATE 163
A garden in three terraces
"Cliff Cottage," Elk Rock, Portland, Ore. Peter Kerr, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 164
A rock garden leading to formal garden
"High Hatch," Riverwood, Portland, Ore. Thomas Kerr, Esq.]
XVIII
ALASKA
_Last_, but not least, comes Alaska; even if last to arrive on the map
of the Union, yet not least in size of territory or in flowers, and with
still another condition of climate to be considered. Alaskan gardens are
as yet but tiny modest plots against the gray log cabins, suggesting the
homes of our Pilgrim fathers on the milder New England coast so long
ago, and as we think of the stone and marble pergolas in modern New
England, there comes the suggestion: "Then why not Alaska likewise some
day?"
To those who think of Alaska only as a land of snow and ice,
descriptions of its flower-surrounded log cabins seem like impossible
dreams. Quoting from Reverend Mr. Lumpkin's paper:
"In coming into Alaska, you first awake to the beautiful reality in
Skagway. This is the point where the White Pass road is taken to make
connection with the river boats for the interior. Your eyes rest upon
the wonderful fulfilment of the flowers and your crag-weary soul is
refreshed.
"Every growing thing in Alaska seems to exemplify the Alaskan spirit,
and that is to make the very best of bad conditions, and to make the
very most of the many good ones. With the dark winters and short
summers, every ray of sunshine has to be used, and when in the summer
the sun shines all day and nearly all night for three months, there is
no time for loafing in flower land.
"Just take a walk down through Fairbanks in July and you will begin to
think that wonders will never cease. You will see flowers, that at home
you had to coax and nurse into growth, here in radiant, luxuriant
masses. The Pansies are unusually large, whole borders of them, and
paths bordered with beds a foot wide, filled to the edges with
changeable velvet. Sweet Peas grow up to the tops of the fences, and
then, if no further support is given them, over they go, back to the
ground again. All summer the Nasturtiums climb nearer and nearer the
roofs of the cabins, and bloom and bloom in sheer delight. Some paths
are bordered with Poppies, big stately red and white, and white and pink
ones, or the golden California beauties. These natives of warmer climes
seem perfectly at home in the Northland. Asters scorn hothouses and grow
in profusion wherever they are planted, and wherever they are they are
beautiful. They are as large as the Chrysanthemums the Easterner
delights in, and of all the various changes of colors. By them, perhaps,
will be Dahlias as large and rich as any you have ever seen. The more
beauty-loving and flower-loving the owner of the garden, the longer you
will stay to look and wonder. Candytuft, Sweet Alyssum, and Mignonette
will greet you from their accustomed places on the borders of beds of
flowers, and you will almost smile at them as at some old-time friend.
Then you will see where some daring gardener has bordered the beds with
Phlox or Snapdragon, and you will feel compelled to admire the result.
"Never have I seen such Begonias. The flowers are like Camellias, and
the colors exquisite. Shades of pale yellow to deep yellow, pale pink to
deep pink, and the pure white. The Geraniums, too, grow to giant size,
and seem to be ever-blooming. One really is tempted to feel the stalks
of some of them before it can be believed that they are not two plants
tied together. There was a Geranium in one of the small towns which
filled the window of a store.
"Many cabins have five or more baskets hanging from the eaves. Imagine
gray log cabins with birch baskets filled with blue Lobelias;
flame-colored Nasturtiums climbing to the roof, beds of velvet Pansies,
borders of crimson Poppies leading to the gate, where golden California
Poppies make way for you to pass, and beyond, the distant Alaskan
mountains, snow-covered and glistening in the sun. Imagine one cabin,
and then think of streets of them; change your flower colors as you
will, as a child changes his kaleidoscope, and you will have some idea
of Alaska flower land."[5]
FOOTNOTES:
[5] From _The Alaskan Churchman_.
XIX
VANCOUVER ISLAND
The lure of the far-famed gardens of the island so close to our shores
is enticing enough to make a happy excuse for giving the space of a page
to one of its smaller gardens.
In the heart of this fair garden, in the country of the Englishman, at
the end of this book on American gardens, the author, though a proud
American, unhesitatingly admits that usually it is the Englishman who
has inspired us to make gardens as nearly as possible like those of the
mother country. Is it the old blood that is stirring within us, the
common bond of past associations and brotherhood so often expressed in
our physical resemblances as well as in many of our ideals? The garden
in the accompanying illustrations shows a beautiful combination of
flowers with picturesque old trees.
The climate of this favored place is even more delightful and balmy than
that of the mainland, and the charm of the great Pacific is doubly felt
along these quiet shores. The untravelled may picture it as isolated and
forsaken, but rather is it just enough retired to be apart without
loneliness; and, except, in a few cities, excluding the turmoil of the
world, yet hospitably open to the friendly passer-by.
There is more sunshine here than in England, although the climates are
very similar. On Vancouver Island there are the four distinct,
well-defined seasons; the temperature is more like that of Portland than
of Tacoma. The island is generously covered with vegetation, and when
its native wild flowers are considered, in addition to the gardens in
rich cultivation, it may well be called a garden island.
[Illustration: PLATE 165
Victoria City, Vancouver Island, B. C.]
[Illustration: PLATE 169
Victoria City, Vancouver Island, B. C.]
A FEW GARDEN GATES
[Illustration: PLATE 167
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 168
"Knock-Mae-Cree," Westport, Conn. Mrs. William Curtis Gibson
_From a photograph by Brown Brothers_]
[Illustration: PLATE 169]
[Illustration: PLATE 170
"Hamilton House," South Berwick, Maine. Mrs. George S. Tyson]
[Illustration: PLATE 171]
[Illustration: PLATE 172
"Glen Alpine," Morristown, N. J. Charles W. McAlpin, Esq.]
[Illustration: PLATE 173
East Hampton, L. I. Mrs. Theron G. Strong]
[Illustration: PLATE 174
"Glendessary," Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. R. C. Rogers]
[Illustration: PLATE 175
"Clifton," Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Samuel H. Taft]
[Illustration: PLATE 176
"Thornewood," Tacoma, Wash. Chester Thorne, Esq.]
End of Project Gutenberg's Beautiful Gardens in America, by Louise Shelton