CHAPTER IV. 



TREATMENT OF MARGINS. 



THE MARGIN of the pond is every bit as important as the pond itself, 

 and must receive the same care and consideration in the planting. As 

 the frame is to a picture so is the margin or border to the pond — it may make or 

 mar. The first consideration must be the occupants of the pond ; to arrange 

 all in such a manner that the surroundings add to, not detract from, the main 

 feature, at the same time to form another distinct feature should be the object 



As no two ponds are precisely the same, the general features must be con 

 sidered. As before mentioned trees and shrubbery are essential as wind-breaks 

 and where these are already in existence, they should be taken into considera 

 tion when laying out the water garden ; they not only are necessary as wind 

 breaks, but are an important and indispensable part of the landscape, and a 

 source of pleasure and comfort as shade factors, under which seats may be 

 placed for the languid, whence a pleasant inspection of the occupants of the 

 pond may be made without the observer being subjected to the scorching rays 

 of a midsummer sun. Where such trees are not available a rustic summer 

 house covered with climbing vines will afford a welcome resort. 



Where a few tubs comprise the water garden they should be sunk in the 

 ground to the level of the tops, not close together, but leaving a space of from 

 twelve to eighteen inches between; the intervening space being planted with 

 Lysimachia nummularia, which makes a delightful carpet of light, glossy 

 green. If Nehimbiums be included in the collection of aquatics, these may be 

 placed in the centre of the group or, on the northwest side, or to the rear, the 

 group being backed with Ornamental Grasses, with sub-tropical plants such as 

 Musa ensete, Ricinus, Cannas, and others. 



A pond (made of masonry) in the lawn will be surrounded with the green- 

 .sward, and, as elsewhere recommended, the top of the wall should be so sunk as 



