234 FLOWER GARDEN. 



Two varieties of flower gardens have chiefly prevailed in 

 Britain ; one, in which the ground is turf, and the pattern, 

 so to speak, is composed of a variety of figures cut out of 

 the turf, and planted with flowers and shrubs; and an- 

 other, where the flower-beds are separated by gravel-walks, 

 without being interspersed with grass at all. The choice 

 of one or other of these varieties ought greatly to depend 

 upon the situation. When the flower garden is to be seen 

 from the windows, or any other elevated point of view, 

 from which the whole or the greater part of the design may 

 be perceived at once, perhaps the former should be prefer- 

 red. Where the surface is irregular, and the situation 

 more remote, and especially where the beauty of flowers is 

 the chief object of contemplation, the choice should proba- 

 bly fall on the latter. This variety, too, seems preferable, 

 on the principle of contrast, where there are large lawns in 

 the outer grounds, in order that kept (or smoothly-mown) 

 grass may not be found everywhere. 



Respecting the situation of the flower garden, no very 

 precise directions can be given, as it must be influenced by 

 the size of the domain, the nature of the lawns, and the 

 site of the mansion to which it is attached. Generally 

 speaking, it should not be at any great distance from the 

 house ; and in places where there is no distant view of im- 

 portance, it may be constructed under the windows. In 

 retired scenes, it is delightful to step out of the drawing- 

 room into compartments of flowers, in the vicinity of a green- 

 house or conservatory. On the other hand, when the park 

 is spacious, and the prospects extensive and picturesque, 

 it is perhaps better that the flower garden should be at 

 some distance, but not more than a quarter of a mile, out 

 of sight of the house, and with an easy access in any sort 

 of weather an arrangement which would give an agreeable 



