THE TERRACE STEPS, PENSHURST
FROM THE PICTURE IN THE POSSESSION OF
Mr. Frederick Greene
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.