LAYIXG OUT A GARDEN 



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Water-supply. This is an essential provision for every garden, 

 and the laying out or arrangement of the grounds must to some ex- 

 tent be modified in reference to it. In the low-country of Ceylon, 

 the garden is usually supplied from a well ; up-country, a diverted 

 stream or specially constructed channels generally meet require- 

 ments. It is important that the source of supply should be placed 

 where the water will have the readiest access or be easiest carried 

 to all parts of the garden. If a well, it should be somewhat con- 

 cealed from view by having shrubs or trees planted around. 



Preparation of the ground. The ground must be thoroughly 

 trenched and drained, the soil being turned over to a depth 

 of 16 or 18 inches, and all large stones, roots or other obstructions 

 removed. A certain amount of levelling will be necessary, it being 

 important to obtain a uniform, even surface with a fine tilth. The 

 texture and nutritive condition of the soil should, according to its 

 needs, be improved by the addition of suitable manurial material. 

 If the land be steep, it should, be formed into terraces, which lend 

 themselves to a very pleasing effect. 



Designing. When a clear conception is obtained of what is ac- 

 tually desired, a sketch or diagram, however crude, should be made 

 in order to materialise the minds' plan. 

 The ground may thus be easily apportion- 

 ed, and spaces allotted to the various pur- 

 poses as may be required. This will not 

 only save time and labour, but probably 

 also confusion and disappointment later on. 

 At the outset it is essential to distinguish 

 between the front and back of the garden. 

 The main features should first be marked 

 out, starting with the drive or leading 

 walk, followed by the secondary walks ; 

 these as well as the borders, etc., may 

 easily be traced on the ground by means 

 of string and wooden pegs. 



Planting out. In the low-country,the first attention must be to 

 provide a certain amount of shade or screen where such do not al- 

 ready exist ; while at the higher elevations it is equally important to 

 furnish shelter against strong winds by means of wind-breaks in the 

 form of trees supplemented, when necessary, by hedges and shrub- 

 beries. The selection and planting of suitable plants to meet these 

 requirements must, therefore, have the first consideration. 



GARDEN KEEL 



