THE GENERAL PLAN OR THEORY OF THE PLACE 9 



maker should develop his plan before he attempts to develop 

 his place. He must study the various subdivisions in order 

 that the premises may meet all his needs. He should determine 

 the locations of the leading features of the place and the rela- 

 tive importance to be given to the various parts of it, -^ as 

 of the landscape parts, the ornamental areas, the vegetable- 

 garden, and the fruit plantation. 



The details of the planting may be determined in part as 

 the place develops; it is only the structural features and pur- 

 poses that need to be determined beforehand in most small 

 properties. The incidental modifications that may be made 

 in the planting from time to time keep the interest alive and 

 allow the planter to gratify his desire to experiment with new 

 plants and new methods. 



It must be understood that I am now speaking of ordinary 

 home grounds which the home-maker desires to improve by 

 himself. If the area is large enough to present distinct 

 landscape features, it is always best to employ a landscape 

 architect of recognized merit, in the same spirit that one 

 would employ an architect. The details, however, may even 

 then be filled in by the owner, if he is so inclined, following 

 out the plan that the landscape architect makes. 



It is desirable to have a definite plan on paper (drawn to 

 scale) for the location of the leading features of the place. 

 These features are the residence, the out-houses, the walks and 

 drives, the service areas (as clothes yards), the border planting, 

 flower-garden, vegetable-garden, and fruit-garden. It should 

 not be expected . that the map plan can be followed in every 

 detail, but it will serve as a general guide; and if it is made 

 on a large enough scale, the different kinds of plants can be 

 located in their proper positions, and a record of the place be 

 kept. It is nearly always unsatisfactory, for both owner and 

 designer, if a plan of the place is made without a personal 

 inspection of the area. Lines that look well on a map may not 



