32 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



hedge look charming, giving a cloistered effect, and 

 allowing a series of beautiful views, each seen through 

 a dark green frame of close-clipped branches. Towards 

 evening too, a delightful effect is obtained by the shadows 

 which the arched hedge throws across the grass or path- 

 way. In making such hedges, it is often advisable to use 

 a light wooden framework to assist the branches to keep 

 in position. One great disadvantage attends these arches 

 formed in close-growing hedges, that of creating draughty 

 corners, where formerly warmth and shelter existed. 

 However, the opening up of a good view, or the breaking 

 of the monotony caused by a dense mass of sombre 

 foliage, is often sufficient compensation for any possible 

 difficulties experienced in growing tender flowers in the 

 vicinity. It is often possible to spoil the effect of a good 

 walk by placing an arch in mid-distance, so that the 

 perspective is completely lost. For this reason, care 

 should be taken to ascertain that the archway is likely 

 to be of some value before including it in the garden 

 at all. The junction of two or more paths at a 

 sharp angle is generally a safe place for a light arch, 

 or even a couple crossing one another, forming when 

 covered, a bower of climbing plants. Another suitable 

 position is the boundary line between the flower and 

 kitchen gardens, the arch marking the transition from 

 one to the other. Arches may often be employed in 

 positions which would look well covered by a pergola, 

 but where the added cost of such a structure is not 

 thought expedient. After all, a row of arches, placed 

 fairly near together, gives, if viewed from the end, much 

 the effect of a continuous alley of greenery. The use 

 of the latter also allows much more light and air to 

 circulate, and where shade is not a necessity, answers 

 very well. To pass through an arch seems to suggest 

 something new in the garden, a fresh departure in the 

 design, the leaving behind of former associations and 



