MODERN GARDENING.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 138, 16 July 1880, Page 1 (Supplement)

MODERN GARDENING.

CARPET BEDDING. Everything repeats itself. A few years ago the formal Dutch Gardens were in vogue, and were in course of time Billowed by Mixed Plantations, now we have what is termed Carpet Bedding carried out to an almost unpleasant degree ; from the time the plants are put in the ground till either time, drought, or other circumstances destroy them, the same formal appearance presents itself without variation. We have, in previous issues, given our ideas on the subject, so we need not again repeat it, or enter on its merits or demerits. in laying out a garden when the land is of limited extent, a carriage drive if placed near the corner of the block never does, or (no matter how much labour is expended) never can look ornamental. The centre plot round which the road runs is always in such cases unsymmetrical, and has a very lopsided appearance. In square blocks of land the entrance gates should always be placed immediately opposite the front door of the house, and thus allow the centre plot to be fair shaped and ornamental. Circles for such are, in our opinion, always objectionable, being too formal. The best pattern is §that known as the oval, elongated towards the gates into a rounded point, and as there is always a spare space in front of this point, a neat piece of statuary, vase, or sun dial should be put in that position. The centre plot, if of sufficient extent, may have a neat flower border or so placed about it; and in the centre a neat growing symmetrical pine may be planted with good effect. For instance, in suitable situations the Norfolk Island Bine, and for other localities Finns Insignis may be used. Fountains have come into vogue greatly for the purpose, but unless they are good and there is plenty of water for supplying them, they resolve themselves into mere toys, and are far better away, and far more at home in sc me secluded spot amongst rockwork. Most Colonial gardeners fall into the grave error of raising the beds much above the level of the lawns and walks. However well this may answer for swamp land, it it very objectionable for the ordinary soils found in this colony. With large plantations of from one to two or three rods in extent, a slight elevation of the soil may be allowed ; but with beds from three to six feet iu width, such as are used for choice plants on lawns, the system cannot result otherwise than in failure, as the sun and air completely dry up any moisture contained in the raised portion of the beds.