126 PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENLNG 



rest which afford to lovers of nature the highest type of enjoy- 

 ment. The garden should radiate an atmosphere of hospitahty, 

 creating an irresistible desire to stroll -within and enjoy all the 

 wealth of form and fragrance of foliage and flower. 



The garden will always be more restful if placed on a level below 

 the house grades (Figs. 114 and 114A), requiring steps for the 

 descent. 



Definiteness may be given to the garden entrance by an arch 

 formed of plants in the enclosing hedge, or of metal or wood, fram- 

 ing some enticing water feature beyond. 



Should it be necessary to place the garden on a higher level the 

 approach should be broad and easy. Step risers should never be 

 more than six inches and the tread should be at least fourteen inches. 



The dimensions and shape of the garden are matters which will 

 be influenced more or less by the residence and the configuration of 

 the ground. The area of the garden, however, should always e.x- 

 ceed that covered by the house. Where the property is rather 

 narrow the greater dimension of the garden should extend in the 

 direction of the greater dimension of the property. 



When planning the garden the amount of care necessary for the 

 proper upkeep should be borne in mind and the space designed 

 accordingly, as it is necessary that the garden should at all times be 

 in as nearly perfect condition as possible. 



A flower garden adjoining a house should have some space 

 between it and the house proper as the foreground to the floral scene 

 beyond. 



The rectangular design of beds in gardens possesses the greatest 

 character and displays the plantations within the beds to the best 

 advantage. This is specially so with the oblong enclosures. In 

 square or nearly square gardens (Fig. 11.5), curved lines give a greater 

 variety, especially within a small compass. 



To add to the interest the design should always include a central 

 feature, either a pool, bird bath, or even a sundial, although the 

 latter is more appropriately placed in a more isolated position. 



The central feature may be oblong, circular, elliptical, or a com- 

 bination of the square and the circle. 



In some instances it is advantageous, where the distance is not 

 too great, to extend the garden from the house to the party line 

 (Fig. 116 — See page 130), arranging it so that it will come between 

 the pleasure grounds and the ser\'ice portion. 



