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HISTORIC: GARDENS SFY VR GIN TPA that they needed in the way of plants and shrubs. Her knowledge and experience which was lovingly given to the young couple was of great value and a very extensive garden was laid out. Broad alleys were laid off to run between borders of flowers and shrubs. These alleys or walks ran lengthwise and across the garden with plots of vegetables between. After the War Between the States the changed conditions and a different mode of cultivation made it necessary to do away with the cross-walks and borders in order that the cultivators could have room to move more freely in working the vegetables. As the garden now is one sees a long walk fifteen feet wide bordered on each side with evergreen shrubs and all the old garden favorites. In February begins the season of bloom, with the long succession of daffodils and narcissi; next comes the breath of spring and winter heliotrope, which mingles with the old world fragrance of bloom and boxwood as do also the cowslips edging the borders. The gate of the entrance is covered with yellow jessamine or, as it is called in England, woodbine. Surely dull care is driven away when spring comes upon the James and our many beautiful birds begin nesting in the old gardens. One’s senses are bewildered trying to tell from which comes that divine scent—calycanthus, lilac, jessamine, or what not—when it is a combination of all. In the midst of this calm beauty came the horrors of war. To Weyanoke marched a part of Sheridan’s army after a recent defeat at Cold Harbor. We can imagine the weary and wounded soldiers who found rest in this garden. Under a rose bush the young mistress found one who had there given up his life and gone, we hope, to where flowers bloom eternally. | In the years that have passed since then changes have come not only in material things. For in this garden where once all the bitter feelings called forth by war held sway, here come many charming and cultured friends from that one-time land of the enemy, and beneath the shade cast by the old shrubs here have partaken of tea. 142] CATHERINE DOUTHAT.
