272 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



accords, either perfectly square or longer than broad. 

 Frequently the small enclosed garden looks well at 

 the side of the house. It is essential to call in the 

 professional gardener for advice regarding the situa- 

 tion of the garden, and questions of drainage, sun- 

 shine, and exposure to winds and sunshine; for all 

 these matters aid in determining the arrangement. If 

 a series of gardens is planned, one leading from an- 

 other, it is well to consider them as outside rooms. 

 In this case there will be little trouble in making 

 the lay-out. The simplest plan is always the most 

 effective. A very good example to follow is the lay- 

 out of Montacute, Somersetshire, built in 1580- 

 1601 : 



"Before the house is a walled-in forecourt, and 

 in the forecourt a small lawn with a fountain, or 

 pool, in the center. An entrance-gate leads into the 

 forecourt. Before this forecourt comes a small ante- 

 court, designed for the sake of dignity. On one side 

 of the forecourt is the base, or bass, court, sur- 

 rounded by the stables, kitchens, and other build- 

 ings; and on the other side is the ornamental 

 pleasure-grounds, including 'my lady's garden,' a 

 survival of the small enclosed castle garden, of the 

 Middle Ages. 



"Overlooking the garden is the Terrace twenty 



