8o GARDEN PLANNING 



of a five-pointed star, as shown in the illus- 

 tration, compares with that of a circle of the 

 same diameter as five to three. 



A circle, it is well known, encloses the largest 

 amount of space in relation to its circumference, 

 and is therefore the figure which has the 

 smallest length of boundary. The octagon, 

 hexagon, and pentagon come next in economy 

 of boundary, and the square and rectangle 



Fig. 13. — Shapes of beds 



follow. If the gardener goes beyond these 

 simple shapes he will necessarily become 

 lavish of edging. I do not mean to say that 

 he is on that account to confine himself to 

 those shapes alone. We must have variety 

 in form and scope for fancy. It is well, how- 

 ever, to have our eyes open to the consequences 

 of indulging in sprawling and attenuated 



