THE GARDEN STEPS 61 



there is no reason why steps cannot be placed in 

 any sort of a garden nook. The material depends 

 on the style of garden, but wooden steps are not 

 generally advisable on account of their rotting, 

 which makes them need constant repair. It is far 

 better to use stone, slabs of granite, concrete or 

 marble, for each one of these has the lasting quali- 

 ties that make them durable. 



Measure the space carefuUy before the work is 

 commenced. You should make allowances for 

 crevices between each step so that suitable planting 

 may be carried out. It is a very good idea to have 

 the wide spreading plants placed near the bottom, 

 graduating to those of more moderate growth at 

 the top. Careful consideration should also be 

 given to the right planting on either side. Low 

 plants should border the step with a background 

 of taller ones. They may, if you like, be used to 

 express the idea of balusters on either side and are 

 much more picturesque than real ones. 



Do not forget that rich soU should be employed, 

 for the plants need it to grow successfully. They 

 require sustenance just as we need meat to feed 

 our bodies. In many cases it can be rich loam 

 taken from the woods, in other instances rotted 



