36 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 
of shrubs, with taller trees behind, the whole gradually 
merging into the distant vista, is one of the most satis- 
factory ways of closing in the lawn from the rest of the 
garden. It is often a temptation when space is limited 
to sacrifice a large portion of greensward, so that more 
flowers may be grown. It would be best to consider 
matters very carefully before removing a single sod of 
turf. If more room is needed, a few bold masses of 
herbaceous plants near the edge of the lawn will probably 
give the best results. There is no defence for the 
barbarous practice of dotting the grass with flower-beds, 
cut in a variety of ill-considered shapes, neither should 
clumps of shrubs be placed so that they destroy all sense 
of perspective. The softly undulating meadow lands of 
the English landscape, with their rich fringe of native 
woodland, will teach the designer much of the beauty 
and value of the garden lawn; and in the planning of 
the best effects, he may with safety study the lessons 
which Nature provides in almost every direction. 
