38 COMMON SENSE GARDENS 



reality a sculptor of trees, was known as the 

 "topiarius," and under his supervision the scena 

 of those elaborate retreats were planned, and 

 eventually shaped by his skilful shears. The 

 clipped screens and hedges were used as back- 

 grounds for the sculptured shrubs which were the 

 main features in those gardens where the culti- 

 vated flowers were few. 



