CHAPTER XXI. 

 GARDEN IMPROVEMENTS. 



THERE are few amateur gardeners who are not fond of 

 making alterations in their gardens, and it seems to me 

 that a short chapter on the subject of garden improvements 

 may perhaps be useful. 



The object of making alterations in the garden should 

 be to make definite improvements, and not merely to 

 afford " something to do this winter." 



Those who are too fond of alterations are often people 

 who cannot make up their minds what they like. Now it 

 is a good habit to cultivate, that of making up one's mind 

 what one likes ; and it is a bad habit to be year after year 

 changing the f^rm of one's garden. 



The effect of alterations cannot be fully appreciated 

 in a year. Some people may think they see the results 

 the moment an " improvement " is finished ; but this is 

 not possible. The effect will not be visible until the plants 

 have grown up, and it may take two, or even three years 

 before the results are fully exhibited. It is a case of 

 " Wait and See." We have to do this in many other 

 branches of life besides gardening. 



The man who alters and " improves " his garden every 

 year will never be satisfied. He cannot be. He has not 

 time to study the subject, he has not time to observe the 

 effects of his changes, and he leaves Nature no time to do 

 her own inimitable part. His garden may have a freshness 

 about it ; there is always something new ; but it is never 

 without that newly made appearance which is contrary 

 to all ideas of beauty. However artistically he may plan 



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