STYLES OF LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT 



THERE are three main types or styles of gardens which are 

 classified according to the effects they respectively create. 

 These are the Architectural, the Natural and the Picturesque. 



Architectural, which is distinctly formal (sometimes in a clear- 

 cut geometrical design) is really a prolongation of the architectural 

 lines of the house. In such a garden the trees are planted in rows or 

 otherwise symmetrically; the ground, if uneven, is terraced; and 

 garden features such as statues, vases, etc., are in evidence. 



Natural. As the name indicates this style is simply copying 

 Nature; it is the other extreme from the architectural garden. Plant 

 material is used in masses of similar kinds, planted irregularly in 

 borders with deep bays and promontories, so that the inside line is 

 sinuous and so the front line of shrubs merges into the lawn without 

 an abrupt transition. The trees also should be planted in irregular 

 groups, not haphazard, but where they are needed, so that the whole 

 effect gives the impression that the location was selected because of 

 the appropriateness of the planting. The material should be chosen 

 especially to produce this effect, and all that would tend to stiffen 

 the informaUty by reason of its set or clearly defined outlines should 

 be omitted. 



Picturesque. This style can be typified by the Japanese garden. 

 In short, it is appUed to create effects that are unusual by means of 

 vivid contrast, odd shapes, and a very rugged ground surface. 



In selecting the style of garden to be made, due consideration 

 must be given not only to the house architecture, but also to the land 

 surface. For instance, where there are abrupt declivities and bold 

 rocks cropping out, dwarfed natural plant life, and other such evi- 

 dences of the unusual, the picturesque style can best be employed. 

 While this style is rather uncommon (because the necessary setting 

 is rarely met with) it is most interesting when correctly treated. 



The architectural style is suggested when the house is well balanced 

 and symmetrical. On larger places, the immediate surroundings of 

 such a house can be treated in this formal way and the outlying areas 

 made informal and natural. In such a case, however, the two parts 



