THE PRIVATE AREA 



41 



After the planting has been studied in plan it should also be 

 studied in elevation. The planting should be high in places and lower 

 in others for there are often objectionable views to screen and often 

 views to be framed. Accents should be used in the planting masses for 

 variety. As in foundation planting, or any other planting for that mat- 

 ter, the type of shrubs and the characteristics desired should be decided 

 upon and then trees and shrubs selected to fill these qualifications. 



Let us assume, for instance, that the view at the rear of our prop- 

 erty is something like the one shown in the accompanying sketch (Fig. 

 39), all of which is on our neighbor's property to the rear. The type 

 of planting selected would be much similar to the accompanying ele- 

 vation. After deciding upon the types, sizes, etc., which are wished 

 for this purpose! the trees and shrubs could be easily found from the 

 various planting lists, books, etc., which are prepared to assist one in 

 making quick selections. 



The formal garden is most successful as an extension of the archi- 

 tectural lines of the house for there it seems in keeping, while upon other 

 portions of the grounds, where there is no association with the house, 

 care must be exercised in making it seem -appropriate in its setting. In 

 planning a formal area we should bear in mind that the walks are really 

 the backbone of the garden plan, although these walks are often of 

 grass. The plan for the garden should be carefully studied in order 

 that the most pleasing proportions be secured. A formal garden should 

 never be constructed upon sloping ground, for although it may appear 

 pleasing in plan it will most surely be disappointing when executed. 

 Upon irregular ground the garden may be planned in a series of differ- 



Fig. 33 Method suggested for determining the outlines of planting beds 



