EXAMPLES OF GARDEN DESIGN. 



The first aim in the re-modelling of the gardens was to secure a sense of space, and A Hillside 

 also connecting lines which would secure some architectural connection between the house Garden. 

 and its setting. There was the further consideration that, as in most other hillside 

 gardens, there were few walks which ministered to one's comfort or leisure. In short, to 

 walk round the garden was an exertion. 



The shape and contours and obliquities of line on this Estate are so unusual that 

 no very clear idea can be obtained from the plan of the great difficulties to be solved 

 before any degree of order could be evolved, but a comparison of the plan (111. No. 427), 

 with the photographs showing the improvements which have been effected, will make it 

 at once apparent that, notwithstanding the difficulties to be overcome, results combining 

 practical as well as aesthetic advantages have been attained. The level spaces immediately 

 round the house, but especially on the South and West fronts, have been considerably 

 expanded, and the line and gradients of the carriage drive improved. Then the terrace 

 on the South front has been extended, and a pergola constructed on the East side extending 

 from the carriage court to the park postern gate. This latter feature has secured a 

 balanced effect on what was previously the least satisfactory side of the site. Instead 

 of the narrow winding walks on the West side, good wide paths, some of them nagged, 

 have been constructed and, at one of the finest view-points, the garden-house shown in 

 illustration No. 433 has been erected. Another fine view-point has been taken advantage 

 of by the insertion of a three-arched alcove under the West end of the South wall of 

 the kitchen garden. 



On a garden site like the one at Wood Hall there is a great opportunity for wall- 

 gardening, and this feature has been made the most of, the walls along the side of the 

 drive, pergola, and several of the walks being planted with a choice variety of Alpines 

 and other wall plants, whilst under the terrace and on the lower side of the drive a 

 large amount of rock from a local quarry has been added to supplement the several 

 outcrops on the site. In many cases these have a background of rhododendrons, 

 azaleas, and a choice variety of kalmias, andromedas, Alpine rhododendrons, and ericas. 

 In other parts there are backgrounds of choice Japanese maples interspersed with and 

 relieved by compact-growing conifers. The rock garden under the terrace is devoted to 

 Alpines, and in addition some of the better herbaceous plants have been added to give 

 mass and a connected effect. 



As the garden in its present form is scarcely a year old, several of the views 

 lack the softening touch which age will bring, and, though the scheme is full of 

 promise, it is almost impossible so to illustrate it as to give the reader any idea 

 of the ultimate possibilities. The nature of the surrounding country has also to 

 be taken into consideration before one can form any adequate conception of the 

 scheme as a whole from the photographs. The exceptional nature of these has 

 already been hinted at, and the ancient castle, which adds so greatly to the interest 

 of the views, can be seen in the middle distance of illustration No. 431. The site 

 is on the edge of the English Lake District, and therefore is surrounded with country 

 which partakes very largely of the rugged picturesqueness which is its distinguishing 

 feature, and this has had its influence on the design adopted. In order that it 

 might harmonize with its surroundings, the architectural details were kept solid to a 

 degree which would, in a less rugged neighbourhood, have been heavy and perhaps 

 slightly cumbersome, but which here, when clothed with greenery, will fall naturally 

 into place, grace and lightness being obtained by the use of statuary at specially 

 selected points where it would mark the centre of a bastion or the termination of a 

 balustrade. The photographs can, however, be left to speak for themselves, and will, 

 together with the plan, give a very good idea of the scheme as a whole, and the variety 

 obtained within quite a small area. 



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