36 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 



of shrubs, with taller trees behind, the whole gradually 

 merging into the distant vista, is one of the most satis- 

 factory ways of closing in the lawn from the rest of the 

 garden. It is often a temptation when space is limited 

 to sacrifice a large portion of greensward, so that more 

 flowers may be grown. It would be best to consider 

 matters very carefully before removing a single sod of 

 turf. If more room is needed, a few bold masses of 

 herbaceous plants near the edge of the lawn will probably 

 give the best results. There is no defence for the 

 barbarous practice of dotting the grass with flower-beds, 

 cut in a variety of ill-considered shapes, neither should 

 clumps of shrubs be placed so that they destroy all sense 

 of perspective. The softly undulating meadow lands of 

 the English landscape, with their rich fringe of native 

 woodland, will teach the designer much of the beauty 

 and value of the garden lawn ; and in the planning of 

 the best effects, he may with safety study the lessons 

 which Nature provides in almost every direction. 



