Italian gardens (1907) (14582156840)

Identifier: cu31924064158870 (find matches)
Title: Italian gardens
Year: 1907 (1900s)
Authors: Elgood, George Samuel, 1851-
Subjects: Gardens
Publisher: London, New York, Bombay & Calcutta : Longmans, Green and Co.
Contributing Library: Cornell University Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN



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rners some quiet gardenbetrays its presence by its overhanging boughs of ilex or bay, or bysome weather-stained statues dimly seen among overgrown bushes ofmyrtle. Here a factory overlooks what was once a noble garden, andstill some oleanders and flowering shrubs with a wild growth ofclambering rose surround a dilapidated fountain. In yet another place abaroque gateway with boldly modelled terra-cotta vases opens into alittle formal garden, with a fountain set back against the wall, presidedover by some forlorn water nymph, and flanked by trees of nespola andalmond. Even in the centre of the city not a few grand cortile still retain theirfountain, despite the mania for privacy which has enclosed far too manyof them with that modern abomination a sheet-iron gate-screen. Notfar distant from San Marco is an oblong cortile which gives an excellentidea of the old garden court. Opposite to the entrance gate stands aVenus, within a shallow niche that makes part of a bizarre architectural 104
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screen surmounted by a wide broken pediment. Niches and pilasters,entablature and curving pediment are all encrusted with a rude mosaicof coloured stones and marble. At the ends of the court are otherniches provided with fountain basins, and doubtless at one time adelightful box-garden, with simple flowers and orange trees, occupiedthe space now given up to a somewhat uninviting jumble of shrubbyplants and half-starved palms. In order to gain some perception of what a city garden could be inthe halcyon days of Florence, we must turn to the pages of Bocchi.Writing about the middle of the sixteenth century, he gives in LeBellezze della Citta dt Fiorenza a delightful picture ot the gardensattached to one of the Acciaiuoli palaces in the Borgo S.S. Apostoli. Besides this there is a garden on strong arches about fifteen cubitshigh, in a street close to the Arno and looking due south, where the airis soft and pleasant. There in pots and on espaliers are such delightfulgreenery and fruits, s