my worst enemy is—WIND!
The laurels are growing—for that matter, Xmas is coming!—but still we are very shelterless. I think I would like to plant in Bed A, inter alia—some shrubby things. Now I know your views about moving shrubs are somewhat wider than those of the every-day gardener's—but do you think I dare plant a bush of lauristinus now? It would have to travel a little way, I fancy. There is no man actually in Taunton, I fear, with good shrubs. I mean also to get some Japanese maples. I think I would like a copper-coloured-leaved nut tree. Are nuts hardy? I fear Gum Cistus is coming into flower—and unfit to move! How about rhododendrons? The soil here is said to suit them wonderfully. I could not pretend to buy peat for them—but I know hardy sorts will do in a firm fair soil, and I should like to plant a lilac one—a crimson—a blush—and a white. I think they would do fairly and shelter small fry.
Can I risk it now? and how about hardy azaleas—things I love! If you say—we are too near summer sun for them to get established—I must wait till Autumn.
How has Mrs. Going stood the biting winds? Very unfavourable for one's aches and pains?
Tell her I have got one of those rather queer yellow flowers you condescended to notice!—to bring to her after Easter.
Is it not terrible about Prince Leopold? That poor young wife—and the Queen! What bitter sorrow she has known; also I do regard the loss as a great one for the country, he was so enlightened and so desirous of use in his generation.
Yours, J.H.E.
To Mrs. Jelf.
My Dearest Marny,
Thank you, dear, with much love for your Easter card. It is lovely (and Easter cards are not very beautiful as a rule). It is on a little stand on my knick-knack table—and looks so well!