RAILWAY, SCHOOL, AND RESTHOUSE GARDENS 457 



frequently make the mistake of thinking that a great number of 

 miniature beds and borders, sometimes but a few inches in width 

 and of fantastic outline, constitute an attractive garden. Such 

 geometrical figures are neither ornamental nor practical, being 

 unsuitable for the growth of most ornamental plants, and too small 

 and intricate to allow of their being maintained in a proper con- 

 dition. These should, therefore, be discouraged. Simple beds of 

 moderate dimensions, either oblong, round, or oval in shape, and 

 borders of suitable width and natural curves are much more 

 preferable. 



Borders are, as a rule, best confined to the outskirts of the 

 garden, where they should be planted with tall shrubs so as to form 

 a striking background for the smaller plants and beds in front. 

 Flower-beds may be dotted about the lawn and by the sides of 

 paths, but care should be taken to leave the centre of the garden 

 as open as possible. Where only a narrow strip of ground 

 is available, as at some railway stations, no elaborate design should 

 be attempted ; a bold border consisting of mixed ornamental 

 shrubs for a background, finishing with smaller plants in front, 

 being in such cases the most practical and effective arrangement. 

 The ideal small garden should present a striking background of 

 tall shrubs and shady riowering-trees, with beds of gradually 

 smaller plants in the foreground, the latter being set in a smooth 

 level lawn, with plenty of space between them. This will present 

 the best effect when looked at from the front, as from the railway 

 carriages. 



Paths. These should always be wide enough for two persons 

 to walk comfortably abreast, and may be either straight or grace- 

 fully curved. It must be remembered that they are meant for 

 convenience rather than ornament ; therefore avoid having any 

 more than are necessary. Cleanly kept paths, of uniform width 

 and with neatly trimmed edges, add greatly to the general effect 

 of a garden. 



Hedges. It is essential at the outset to guard against vermin 

 and wandering cattle, and also in some places against deer, por- 

 cupines, etc., so that protection by means of a wall, a paling of old 

 sleepers, or a good barbed-wire fence is usually indispensable. 

 When such is employed, it should be concealed and beautified by 

 showy climbers, or by a neat hedge of ornamental shrubs. A live 

 fence or hedge of some formidable prickly plant may in itself, in 

 some cases, afford an efficient barrier when well established. 



