CHAPTER XIII 



THE JAPANESE GARDEN 



AT an epoch when every phase of gardening receives 

 attention, it is inevitable that a style so markedly dis- 

 tinct as that of Japan should arouse interest. 



The new world power of the Far East has developed 

 a school of gardening which admirably illustrates her 

 genius for organization and proportion. It is truly 

 National, for it possesses characteristics which differ 

 widely from the prevailing styles in the countries of the 

 West. 



Admirable proportion in every detail is one of the 

 distinguishing traits of the Japanese gardener. Guided 

 by this he is able to make a satisfying garden out of an 

 area of earth which in European hands would probably 

 be thought of no value save as a yard for lumber and 

 refuse. 



Every good garden must necessarily have its " rubbish 

 corner." In a well-managed garden Roses and shrubs 

 are pruned, herbaceous plants are cut down in their 

 season, non-returnable boxes of too flimsy construction 

 to be of permanent value bring bulbs, seeds and plants. 

 Such prunings, clippings, boxes and old packing material 

 generally constitute with other things " garden rubbish," 

 which is allowed to accumulate, in many cases in a con- 

 spicuous place, until it attains to considerable bulk, and 

 so becomes an eyesore and an offence. 



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