growths it should have
some definite reason for being so accentuated, certainly at one and
desirably at both ends. It often occurs that in laying out ground the
owner wishes to have a pergola, as it were, in the air, and when there
is nothing to justify its presence. It should not be put at haphazard
over any part of the garden walk. If of any length, it should distinctly
lead from somewhere to somewhere of importance in the garden design, and
should, at least at one end, finish in some distinct full-stop, such as
a well-designed summer-house or tea-house.

Another important matter is that a pergola or green alley, in the usual
sense, should never wind or go uphill. It is not intended by this that
shading coverings cannot be used in such places, but that they would
want especial design, and it is altogether a matter of doubt if these
could not be much better treated in other ways.

The circumstances of different gardens are so infinitely various that it
is impossible to lay down hard rules; only general rules can be given
and exceptional circumstances dealt with by exceptional treatment.

Green alleys require some attention. In winter the oldest of the wood
must be cut out to make room for the young growth, and when this is
lengthening vigorously it must be carefully laid in.

If the alley has an iron framework, which is necessary when such strong
growing things as Wistaria are used, this may be clothed during the
first few years, until the Wistaria is growing strongly, with annual
climbers such as _Cobaea scandens_, _lophospermum_, _Mina lobata_, and
even varieties of the large-flowered Clematis, which must be removed
when the Wistaria covers the alley.

[Illustration: _OLD APPLE WALK (Helmingham Hall)._]

Very charming alleys are sometimes formed of fruit trees--Pear, Apple,
Cherry, and Plum making delightful spring pictures, and almost as much
so when in fruit in autumn. Where fruit and flower are desired every
shoot must be exposed to sun and air. When densely shaded by other
growths the wood does not ripen, and therefore flowers badly, if at
all.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE GARDEN ORCHARD

One's enjoyment of the garden would be greatly increased if the orchard,
which is so often thrust away into a remote corner, were brought into
direct communication with it. How easily the trimmer lawn spaces might
lead through groups of flowering shrubs to the rather rougher grassy
orchard. How naturally the garden