234 COME INTO THE GARDEN 



of reverie. Its still waters engender a reflective 

 quiet of spirit that will pervade the whole 

 garden, brooding over it to its eternal serenity 

 and enchantment. On the other hand however, 

 always be on guard against emphasis laid too 

 exclusively upon this quality lest the calm be- 

 come moodiness, taking on a somber character 

 in some way. Reflections which the water 

 catches have a deal to do with this. Be sure 

 therefore that it is sunlight and not shadow 

 which lies upon it — in other words, choose a lo- 

 cation for a pool always in the open and never 

 beneath the shade of trees. An overhanging 

 branch may be permitted, for its reflection; but 

 never more than one-third of a water surface 

 should be in shadow, regardless of a pool's size 

 and of whether it is formal or naturalistic in 

 character. 



In the small garden it is necessary to choose 

 between water as the garden's dominant feature; 

 or setting apart a portion of what may already 

 be very limited area for a tiny water garden ; or 

 being frankly playful and introducing a verita- 

 ble toy pool secluded where it can be a little sur- 

 prise — surprise being one of the garden's most 

 valuable assets, by the way. Let us never lose 

 sight of this, whatever feature is being con- 

 sidered. Not that it is ever desirable to be 



