2 APRIL 1927, Page 14

A GARDEN SEARCH.

Some of our professional gardeners tell me that what they are especially seeking at the moment is the perfect groundhog. the plant that will carpet the earth, but not interfere with tic' taller inhabitants of the bed. There is really no reason why we should see any earth in a bed ; and it is the earththatgivc' the formality. In natures garden the earth is not visible : and its absence is the chief reason why the bulbs in the grass 01 park and meadow and orchard are supremely lovely. Perhaps the cheapest and simplest and most satisfactory combinations of groundling and flower open to the ordinary gardener, including the cottage gardener, is one of the rather less lusty aubrietias below tulips. The tulips find their way through with ease and the aubrietia, pretty in itself, helps to keep the ground moist. Some recommend the variety Craeca. Close associa- tions of growth are in general an interesting theme. In taw cottage garden last year I saw viola gracilis growing upawl

out of the top of lavender. They made a very lovely hedge. W. BEACH THOMAS.