LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 19 



convenient not to commence the work until spring, it should be 

 accomplished as early as possible. If thus deferred, the pro- 

 prietor must necessarily be deprived the pleasure of having 

 anything in its greatest perfection, except annuals and tender 

 bulbous or tuberous plants for that season. I should, therefore, 

 advise, by all means, to have the work done in autumn. 



The quantity of land to be devoted to the object may be 

 small ; but, however limited the space, it is necessary some 

 order should be observed in the general arrangement. 



As to the style of laying out, it will be difficult to propose 

 any plan that would be likely to give satisfaction to all, for 

 most of our readers have a fancy of their own ; and, though they 

 might be disposed to ask advice, yet would, probably, after all, 

 follow the guidance of their own taste, whether it be good or 

 bad. It may not be amiss, however, to throw out a few hints. 

 And, in the first place, if any considerable extent is to be im- 

 proved, or if small, and it is desirable to have the business 

 done neatly, and in a substantial, workmanlike manner, we 

 should recommend that a thorough-bred, intelligent gardener 

 be employed to execute the work ; for the beauty of a garden 

 depends very much upon the manner of laying out, the proper 

 consistency and richness of the soil, the make of the walks, 

 and laying the edgings, whether of box, grass, or anything 

 else. 



The form of the ground may be either square or oblong, 

 somewhat circular or irregular. The interior part may be 

 divided into oblong four-feet beds, or in the manner of a par- 

 terre, in some fanciful style ; the former being more conven- 

 ient, particularly for most of what are called florist's flowers, 

 but the latter more pleasing to the eye. In either method, a 

 walk should be carried round the outward boundary, leaving a 

 border to surround the whole ground. This outward border 

 will be the most appropriate place for choice flowering shrubs, 

 and tall herbaceous biennial and perennial plants. If the bor- 

 der be a wide one, groups of ornamental trees, of low growth, 

 may be planted in the background, especially on the northern 



