LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 57 
divided into oblong four-feet beds, or in the manner of a 
parterre, in some fanciful style; the former being more 
convenient, particularly for most of what are called florist’s 
flowers, but the latter more pleasing to the eye. In either 
method, a walk should be carried around the outward 
boundary, leaving a border to surround the whole ground. 
This outward border will be the most appropriate place 
for choice flowering shrubs, and tall herbaceous biennial 
and perennial plants. Ifthe border be a wide one, groups 
of ornamental trees, of low growth, may be planted in the 
background, especially on the northern aud western 
quarters, which will greatly protect the plants from cold 
winds, particularly if evergreens be planted there. Large 
trees should not be set so near the garden as to injure it by 
their roots or shade. Every fine garden should be well 
secured by a fence or hedge, if at all exposed to the public 
road. A hedge is far the prettiest, and if well managed, 
neat and ornamental. 
“The plan of the garden, be it either large or small, 
generally pleases when it is so constructed as to give a va- 
riety in the design. Formality, though often the leading 
feature, seldom gives that ease that is requisite. The 
planting of the ground should also bear the nicest consider- 
ation; by which, I mean, that such shrubs and plants should 
be selected as will form a pleasing contrast, and be appro- 
priate in the different places assigned to them.” 
GARDEN WALKS. 
Worts or Watrks.—The main walk, or walks, of a 
garden, should be laid out ona liberal scale. Nothing de- 
tracts so much from the pleasures of the flower-garden as 
contracted walks. When we wish to enjoy the company 
of a friend, in the flower-garden, it is much more agree- 
able to have him by our side, arm in arm, than to be un- 
der the necessity of making the tour of the garden in In- 
3*- 
