THE FLOWER GARDEN 155 



the space will allow. In the smallest formal garden the minimum 

 width should be four feet for the main paths, while the others may 

 be as small as two and one-half feet. 



WALKS — MATERIALS 



Garden walks may be constructed of a variety of materials; 

 among the most popular are gravel, brick, field stones, flagstone, 

 tan bark and turf. The element of color is important and should 

 be given careful consideration. For this reason the grayish tint 

 of crushed stone is not pleasing; limestone is too glaring. 



TURF WALKS 



The turf path (Fig. 127) is the most attractive of all. It is 

 pleasant to walk on, restful to the eye, and blends delightfully with 

 the varying shades of color in the plantings. It makes a har- 

 monious groundwork for floral effects desired without fear of dis- 

 cordant contrast. 



BRICK WALKS 



Bricks of rich, dark shades (Figs. 128 and 129) are very agreeable 

 for garden walks. Occasional application of boiled linseed oil will 

 darken the surface and give a more beautiful texture. The bricks 

 should be laid in the basket (Fig. 50) or herring bone pattern (Fig. 

 52), with a neat border on end or edge. 



RED GRAVEL 



If red gravel is used it should be spread over a base of crushed 

 stone at least four inches deep, and there should not be less than 

 two inches of gravel, rolled and thoroughly compacted. 



STEPPING STONES 



The field stone or stepping stone walk (Fig. 53) is picturesque 

 and gives an appearance of age to the garden. A single row of 

 stones is much the best arrangement, as it leaves a greater portion of 

 the walk in greensward. 



ELAGSTONES 



Flagstones laid with turf interstices are a change and give a 

 satisfactory transition from the lawn to the utilitarian feature. The 

 stones may be laid regularly or broken in irregular shapes and laid 

 in broken range. If a mortar joint is used (Figs. 44 and 45) it 

 should be finished flush with the stone surface. 



