162 THE ROSE BOOK 



at all times of the year, and an aesthetic value in that 

 they lend an old-world atmosphere, and emphasise the 

 old-world character that is one of the most precious 

 attributes of a garden. 



Paved paths are rather costly to put down (the aver- 

 age cost is about one shilling per square yard), but once 

 well set they last for a lifetime, and the passage of time 

 serves only to enhance their charm. Moss grows in the 

 crevices, and here and there one may sow or set little 

 tufted plants, such as the fragrant Thyme and Mint, 

 Violet Cress, miniature Bellflowers, and others, and they 

 add immeasurably to the delight of the garden of roses. 



When the design is circular or rectangular the 

 central point should be emphasised in some way ; the 

 most delightful plan is to crown it with a sundial or old 

 well-head or open arbour encircling a little pond. Fail- 

 ing all these, a weeping standard on a six or seven-foot 

 stem or a group of pillar roses may be used. Some such 

 pronounced centre seems to be essential ; one must not 

 forget that the small garden of formal outline demands 

 formal treatment within its boundaries. It is unwise 

 to crowd the rose beds ; grass paths as broad as the 

 available space allows, never less than three feet wide, 

 add greatly to the charm of the roses. If wider, so 

 much the better, since watering, wheeling, etc., are then 

 facilitated. 



Big beds are better than little ones. The latter have 

 a tendency to destroy the balance and to lessen the 

 dignity of the garden ; and, naturally, they add greatly 

 to the labour of keeping the grass neat and trim, for it is 



