APPROACH TO A RESIDENCE. 



TH E approach to a 

 residence is one 

 of the most im- 

 portant considera- 

 tions that confront 

 the landscape gar- 

 dener, as first impres- 

 sions will naturally 

 have effect on later 

 ones. 



Some tastes will 

 lead persons to con- 

 struct massive gate- 

 ways, which in them- 

 selves may by truly 

 magnificent, but which in relation to 

 landscape effect will appear out of place 

 unless the artist can so arrange trees and 

 plants nearby to bring all into harmony. 



In the case of a large estate, nothing 

 should appear cramped, hence the en- 

 trance will be broad and the corners 

 well-rounded. On the lawn, these cor- 

 ners afford opportunity for massing shrub- 

 bery ; and a little further in from these 

 may be an open group of well selected 

 trees The choice of these trees and 

 the future of the shrubbery, are matters 

 of considerable importance. To the 

 writer's eye, the absence of strict form- 

 ality is desired, and the trees should 

 therefore be graceful, like the elm, 

 Wier's Maple, Cut leaved Birch, Yellow 

 J^cust, etc., ; and the shrubs not con- 

 tinually sheared and rounded. 



Evergreens in careful assortment take 

 the place of the shrubs very acceptably, 

 and make the entrance attractive sum- 



Fio. 1626.— The Appkoach. 



mer and winter ; and large ones may 

 also be used in place of the deciduous 

 trees — pines are perhaps most fitting. 



Vines on walls and gateposts are 

 always pretty ; but especially desirable 

 are the loose-clambering ones like the 

 Virginian Creeper. Let the latter be 

 mingled with English Ivy for a back- 

 ground and winter effect. 



Flower boxes for stone posts filled 

 with summer plants and vines can be 

 easily and tastily arranged and are ad- 

 mired by every one. In winter, they 

 may be replaced by evergreens of dwarf 

 nature or small specimens of larger 

 ones, like Himalayan Pine, Lawson's 

 Cypress and Scotch Pine. 



The main idea should be to construct 

 the entrance as a whole bringing in pretty 

 features to enliven it and connect all 

 with the estate in harmony. — Meehan's 

 Monthly. 



281 



