NATURALISTIC WATER GARDEN 
(SEE PLAN NO. 13) 
POOL and marshy area lies west of the residence. It is surrounded 
by low hills—a “ kettle-hole”—and by means of a short dam at the 
south end provided with an overflow a permanent water level 
can be retained, with an approximate area of two acres of water surface. 
The shores are rather marshy, the soil of the basin a soft black ooze, and 
in no place is the water over five feet deep. This is an ideal location for 
a real Water Garden. The banks are of good soil, but lack vegetation, 
save pasture grasses, for the land has been long in pasturage. On the 
high knoll at the north a wood mostly of Oak and Chestnut stretches 
away in the distance; while a grove of Sugar Maple on the eastern shore 
and half a dozen sapling White Pine near the outlet represent the tree 
growth. On the western meadow slope there are scattered clumps of 
Bayberry. Sweet Fern, etc., and near the water Alder and High Blue- 
berry have escaped the cows, but for the most part the native shrubs 
have vanished. 
After the additional trees have been placed along the shore and the 
main points of interest located we are ready to put in the paths and 
trails. These in the main will make a double circuit of the pond, one 
set at a higher level and one near the water, connecting at various points, 
and extending toward the house to join paths upon the lawn. 
The shrub planting will be the main feature of this garden, made up 
mostly of plants native to that section of the country and arranged 
somewhat as they would be found naturally. Related exotic species 
are placed with them to add to the garden effect. Except for the Water 
Lilies the areas for herbaceous plants are merely indicated as “marsh” 
and “bog,” as it will be several vears before these features are developed. 
Across the outlet a planting of Hemlocks will be started at once as a 
background for the Rhododendrons and their relatives, which will make 
one feature of the garden. Along the outlet we shall put a group of 
Red Maples, Birches, and Black Ash, all native trees and all moisture 
lovers. Sweet Gum, Sour Gum, and Sassafras are to stand along the east 
shore (Willows may be planted near them to be cut after a few years), 
but large open spaces must be left so that the pond is quite visible from 
the house. 
The cold bog under the Larches with its cold springs is a home for 
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