The rectangular fountain, which, with its surrounding yew hedges, and
the grass walks also inclosed by thick yew hedges, divides the two
portions of the kitchen garden, are also parts of the old design, added
to by the late owner. The yew hedges beyond the fountain pool have been
set back to allow width enough for a handsome flower-border on either
side. Water Lilies grow in the pool and the flower-borders display their
beauties beyond, while the fruit trees of the kitchen garden show above
the thick green hedges as flowering masses in spring, and in later
summer, as the taller perennials of the border rise to their full
height, as a thin copse of fruit and leafage. The turf walk and
flower-border swing outward to suit the greater width of another
fountain-basin at the end. This has straight sides running the way of
the main path, and a segmental front. Instead of the usual rising kerb,
there are two shallow stone steps, the upper one even with the grass,
the lower half way between that and the water-level. Except that it is
less of a protection than something of the parapet kind, this is a most
desirable means of near access to the water; welcome to the eye in all
ways and allowing the water-surface to be seen from a distance. It is
pleasantly noticeable in this pool that the water-level rises to the
proper place. Nothing is more frequent or more unsightly than a deep
pool or basin with straight sides and only a little water in the bottom.
If the height of the water is necessarily fluctuating it is a good plan
to build the tank in a succession of such steps; they are pleasant to
see both above and under water, and in the case of an accident to a
straying child, danger is reduced to the smallest point.
The picture shows one of the flights of steps from one level to another.
To the left two handsome gate-piers and a fine wrought-iron gate lead to
a quiet green meadow. Near by and just across it is the Medway, with
wooded banks and groups of fine trees. The old wall is beautiful from
the meadow side; its coping a garden of wild flowers. Above it is seen
the clipped yew hedge with its series of rising ornaments, rounded in
the direction of the axis of the hedge, but flat on
[Illustration: 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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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