WATER FLOWERS 235 



melodramatic nor to astonish through bizarre 

 efforts, but wherever some charming bit may 

 be come upon unexpectedly in an unforced, 

 natural manner the whole garden will gain im- 

 measurably in interest. 



This necessity for water to dominate or else 

 be set apart and hidden lies in the character of 

 the element itself, and is unavoidable. For if a 

 pool is exposed to view throughout the entire 

 area of the garden, it focuses interest no matter 

 what other features are in evidence, and even 

 though it is not large. So it is always a question 

 for the individual to decide — whether water will 

 be an adjunct or the feature of his garden; pro- 

 viding of course it is the small garden of the 

 type dealt with here throughout. Whichever 

 choice is made however, interest in the pool it- 

 self must never distract from the necessities of 

 its surroundings nor beguile into a belief that 

 the pool alone is quite enough. A rich back- 

 ground is necessary, this being the general back- 

 ground of the garden of course, where the pool 

 is allowed dominance, but narrowing to the 

 planting and features which seclude the water, 

 where it is set apart. 



This background must be supplied with refer- 

 ence to its importance in the general scheme 

 both from without and within — and also in the 



