EXAMPLES^ 

 GARDEN 

 DESIGN . 



To make a representative selection of designs from the large number of plans which 

 the practitioner prepares during the course of his career is a difficult matter. This 

 arises principally from the fact that many plans which would be instructive and interest- 

 ing to those acquainted with'' the site and local conditions, are more or less meaningless 

 to persons who are not. This is particularly true in regard to designs prepared for 

 undulating sites ; the various bends and turns, rendered necessary by the contours of 

 the ground, could only adequately be explained by a larger number of sketches or 

 photographs than it is practicable to introduce. There are other instances in which, 

 from a variety of causes, it is impossible to illustrate the design adequately. The 

 gardens at Graythwaite Hall are a case in point. Those who know the difficulties 

 encountered in laying out such gardens would measure their success by the amount of 

 improvement actually accomplished ; whereas only the plan of the garden as it is can be 

 illustrated. The point to keep in mind is that the plans selected are intended to show 

 the practical applications of the principles already dealt with. In this way many 

 schemes which, pictorially considered, might add to the effect of the book, have had to 

 be omitted, as their inclusion would not serve any practical purpose, or assist the reader 

 to grasp the conditions which are conducive to successful garden design. The endeavour 

 has been to select designs ranging from a small villa garden to those of twelve or four- 

 teen acres, thus dealing with those conditions most often encountered. The descriptive 

 matter accompanying the illustrations explains as far as possible the conditions under 

 which the designs had to be carried out, and the effect which it was desirable to attain, 

 results being left for the illustrations to expound. 



Planning small gardens is almost as delightful as designing small houses ; and although 

 it would be safe to state that there are a dozen averaging from a quarter to half an 

 acre for every one over two acres in extent, yet garden designers seldom get the oppor- 

 tunity of arranging them. For this reason I am compelled to give, as the smallest 

 gardens illustrated, those belonging to members of my own family. 



GARDENS TO SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES. 



The first plan shows two gardens surrounding semi-detached residences at Heathwaite, 

 which is on the East side of Windermere Lake, at an elevation of nearly three hundred 

 feet above the level of its surface, and commanding some of the finest views in the 

 district. In the only direction in which future building was likely to take place are a 

 few characteristic cottages, which in no way spoil the outlook, and are much more 

 presentable than the speculative buildings which might otherwise have been erected. To 

 give meaning to the garden designs and their connections with the houses, the ground- 



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