II 



A kind of shrub or tree which grows tall needs to be allowed to grow to considerable 

 width also, in order to remain thrifty. Shrubs should be set in two or more rows 

 to assure the achievement of density. By a careful selection of plants, it is 

 possible to use a row of tall-growing shrubs with a row of lower-growing shrubs on 

 either side, thus obtaining greater height and at the same time being certain of 

 density at the base. The heights should shut out views from adjoining property, 

 from the street, and also, to some extent, cut off the remainder of the yard. Closely 

 neighboring houses frequently make privacy difficult of attainment in side-yard 

 gardens. If there is no space for tall, slender trees along the property line, an over- 

 hanging lattice, a pergola, or awnings about the edges or against the far side of the 

 garden may be necessary to afford some private retreat within the area. Archi- 

 tectural barriers will be necessary when there is no space for free-growing plant- 

 ing or even for hedges. Walls or lattices should be of simple design and should be 

 both in keeping with small houses and comparatively inexpensive. If there is no 

 ground space for flowers or other decoration, some color may be provided by the 

 enclosing plantations, or by vines, or walls, or lattices. If there are flowers within 

 the garden, however, the hedges or walls should be planned as backgrounds only. 

 However, decoration is not a first necessity, as interest may be supplied and main- 

 tained by a handsome pavement, hedges perfect to the extent of being beautiful, and 

 distinctive and inviting-looking chairs and seats. If it has the appearance of 

 comfort and retirement, any feature garden, courtyard, or terrace will have 

 its appeal; it will have atmosphere. 



There will be many occasions when one would like to use his garden or courtyard 

 but cannot because of its dampness, if the entire surface be grass covered. It 

 is best, therefore, to have some part of the area in a satisfactory and interesting 

 pavement, in order that in all moderate weather this outdoor room may be used. 

 While a grass surface in perfect condition is beautiful, it is very difficult to keep 

 even and perfect if it is partially shaded or if it receives very hard wear. Hence, 

 for very small areas it is best not to attempt grass but to resort to stone, which 

 may be made none the less interesting. If the space available for side-yard 

 gardens is large enough, its surface may be interestingly varied with walks and 

 panels of grass, and even with beds of flowers. 



The boundaries of a side- yard garden are of course fixed by the house on the one 

 side and on the opposite side by the property line; and while the continuation of 

 the lines of the front and back faces of the house to the side boundary are usually 

 accepted as the other limits of this area, these lines may be moved forward or 

 backward, to enlarge or reduce the area, so long as they are kept parallel with the 

 lines of the house. In most small properties, the lot lines are rectilinear, and the 

 house is parallel with the street lines if not also parallel with all the lot lines. 

 In this small sideyard, the space is too small to permit of any angularity of form 

 which is neither determined nor controlled by the lines of the house or of the 

 lot. The close relation of the side-yard garden to the house should limit its 

 form, or outline, to parallelism with the house. It will accordingly be necessary 

 to plan the outlines of this area on these lines, if the space available is to be used 

 most economically, and if, also, the best appearance is to be assured. Curvilinear 

 outlines for such small gardens are not practical, as the space is not sufficiently 

 large to allow for a variety of curves, unless the scale adopted is small to the 

 degree of pettiness. Within this area, some degree of conventionality is most 

 fitting, and any departure from conventionality is likely to result in a waste of 



