hood days comes to mind as I recall the arbors that stood there.
Three of these, large and octagonal, were placed at the intersection
of the walks and over them climbed roses and other vines. One,
in particular, seemed very beautiful to me. It was covered with
yellow roses called the Lady Banksia, which blooms in long
wreaths and clusters.
Once, when a May party was the occasion of celebrating the
birthday of a fair young girl who, after a great many years, became
the mistress of Recess, ices and dainties of various kinds were dis¬
pensed to her companions from a new arbor covered with pink
roses. Seats were built around this arbor and a pretty rustic table
was placed in the center. It stood near the late figs, at the highest
part of the stone wall which bounded the garden.
Shrubs of many kinds and great bushes of ivy formed quite a
feature of the Recess garden. It is strikingly picturesque when the
golden forsythia or tall, white lilies stand out against the dark,
compact greenness of the boxwoods. ‘The many beds of spice pinks
of the same variety that used to be in the lovely garden at Mount
Vernon, also give charm and sweetness to this old Virginia garden.