THE PLAN 9 



Ruskin, in planning, building, planting. Your companion, then, 

 as you visit your chosen ground, should be, first, your landscape 

 architect, and next, your architect. For my own part, I should 

 not dare to consider buying a piece of ground without the type 

 of advice here advocated, much less undertake to outline the 

 steps to follow the purchase. Spend less on plant-subjects the 

 first year or two, but do not fail, under any circumstances, to 

 spend what you should upon a plan from the best landscape 

 architect available. 



And now the question rises — should our little place be formal 

 or informal in its treatment? Here I wiU not enter upon an aca- 

 demic discussion of this interesting question, such as has torn to 

 bits the tempers of several distinguished people in gardening. I 

 shall only remind the reader that informal planting in a restricted 

 area is much more difficult to manage than formal. It is my 

 opinion that for small lots, for small gardens, the rectangular 

 idea, closely followed, produces better effects, is practically more 

 productive, and gives, in consequence, a greater satisfaction and 

 pleasure than the informal plan. The formal plan has this first 

 thing to recommend it: it saves space. In a small, narrow lot it 

 is likely that a division of the back or living part into long narrow 

 spaces will be best. And in that case a terminal feature at the far 

 end of such a space from the house will be in place: say a small 

 pavihon, shelter, or, perhaps, only a well-designed seat. 



But the informal plan must be considered; for there are always 

 spots where it is to be preferred. And the very simplest material 

 with which to block in an informal plan is shrubbery. Oh, for 

 more tongues in which to sing the praises of this glorious mate- 

 rial, the bush or little tree! Here it is for use — upright, droop- 

 ing, tall, dwarf, hardy, blooming at almost every season of the 

 year; and much of it so lovely when fruiting, or even leafless, as 

 to call forth cries of admiration from the observer of what is 



