18 THE GARDEN BEAUTIFUL 



order to get around this previously occupied point. 

 GENERAL ADVICE 



Assuming that the garden plat, or at least the part 

 immediately about the residence, is fairly level, the 

 surface should be so graded, if possible, that water 

 will drain from the house toward all points of the 

 compass. The soil for this purpose may usually be 

 taken from near the outer boundaries, or, better still, 

 from an excavation for a pond, something without 

 which no large orderly garden is complete. If you 

 have plenty of soil the lawns may be filled up in and 

 about the center to give a rounded appearance, for 

 natural lawns are seldom or never smooth and flat. 

 The surface should also drain slightly toward the 

 pond site so that the presence of water there will 

 appear natural, being in a depression. 



In rebuilding a garden turn under a liberal 

 supply of stable manure over the entire area. If 

 any large trees or shrubs are in the way, leave them 

 if it can be done without too great a sacrifice and 

 make the subsequent or new planting conform so 

 far as possible. Place the pond, if you are to have 

 one, so it will not be shaded by buildings, trees or 

 other large objects; for aquatic life, either animal 

 or vegetable, does not succeed in shade. Planting 

 at the waterside should be confined to the north side 

 and northerly corners. At all other points keep 

 large plants farther away to allow of unobstructed 

 sunshine on the water throughout the day. 



The garden should be enclosed on sides and back 

 with a wall, hedge, or vine-covered fence. Along 

 the front it is more a matter of taste, though if the 

 property belonged to the author the fence or hedge 

 should inclose it on all sides ; low on front and sides 

 to rear of house, and much higher around the back 



