ACCESSORIES OF THE GARDEN 41 



of vines; yet it adds a living interest to a shaded spot; it gives 

 the pleasure of the sound of running water that is refreshing on 

 warm days, and also serves as a good terminal feature for a 

 garden walk or vista. 



Advice concerning pools for the small garden is difficult to 

 give; where water is available, however, a small sheet of it, for- 

 mally inclosed, and with an edge flush with the ground, never 

 raised, most truly adds life and charm to all about it. In the 

 small pool no planting should be done : not even a single Uly should 

 interfere with the bright surface, where unbroken light or un- 

 broken reflection is to be attained. Is there anything more agree- 

 able to the eye than little ordered squares of turf, with flower- 

 heads of gay colors held in high relief against them? What I 

 mean by Uttle ordered squares is the rectangular green of any 

 small formal garden. Grass-walks are the perfect ones for the 

 very little garden — they are less interrupting than those of 

 gravel, or even of brick; although in a rainy season they have 

 their practical disadvantages, because of upkeep and dampness, 

 as well as because a true edge here is difficult to secure and to 

 maintain. 



Several materials present themselves as suitable for walks in 

 the little garden: gravel — which I have used and do not like, 

 because of the weeds, which do like it; slate, or flagging, and in 

 New England there is to be had a greenish slate, which should 

 furnish a fine medium for short and narrow walks; and brick, the 

 best of all; concrete I do not mention because I object to it in 

 gardens. Where brick or stone is used, it should be laid upon 

 sand, gravel, or cinders. Such a foundation should be at least six 

 inches deep, and deeper if possible. The width of garden walks 

 is governed entirely by the size of surrounding spaces, and this 

 your plan will show. Have as few walks as possible, however, 

 on a small property. They take space. Keep them straight. 



