PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS 61 



may be left in its natural field or woodland condi- 

 tion. On bare land any trees required should be 

 planted at once, though the ground adjacent is 

 to wait, as every year adds to the ornamental 

 value of a tree. 



In the development of a large estate occupying 

 several years a good plan is to put down potatoes 

 in the spring on the part that is to be undertaken 

 in the ensuing autumn. As garden making is a 

 continual interest, this method of doing it by 

 degrees has much to recommend it, but unless 

 labour is entirely provided by the permanent 

 staff, it is more expensive in the end than putting 

 the job through at one effort. In any case no 

 more laying out should be undertaken than the 

 owner is prepared to do thoroughly well. Scanty 

 preparation of flower beds and lawns, and stinting 

 the gravel are temporary economies from which 

 the garden never recovers. 



The cost of laying out, and of subsequent up- 

 keep ought to be in the mind of the designer while 

 drawing the plan ; unless, indeed, he is fortunate 

 enough to be given a free hand. Ill-considered 

 arrangements that involve continual outlay are 

 particularly vexatious. Scattered parts requiring 

 high cultivation cause much wear and tear on 

 the tools which have to be moved about ; mowing- 

 machines and rollers suffer considerably in this 

 manner, and in addition there is the waste of the 

 gardener's time. For his sake potting sheds, 



