194 PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDEXIXG 



directly on top of them. All paving should have a slight fall; an 

 eighth or a quarter of an inch to the foot is sufficient. This will 

 prevent surface water from collecting. 



If brick, stone or slate is used for paving the joints should be 

 pointed with a cement mortar to prevent grass and weeds growing 

 in the interstices. It is seldom practical to successfully grow turf 

 under pergolas, as the shade from the overhanging A'ines becomes 

 too dense. On open terraces such a treatment is satisfactory and 

 picturesque. 



The cement finished floor is the least desirable of all. It has a 

 harsh, mechanical finish which does not fit in with soft, responsive sur- 

 roundings of the garden. If cement is used much of the glare may 

 be reduced and the texture improved by tinting it. Lamp black and 

 the red mortar stains are used for the purpose. They should be 

 applied in the finish coat, and that rather sparingly, or the efficiency 

 of the cement will be much impaired. Cement paving should have 

 expansion joints cut at intervals to prevent cracking. A cement 

 surface will have a better appearance if it is cut up into small 

 rectangular blocks, either square or oblong in form. 



The color of the timber superstructure will be largely influenced 

 by that of the house; when adjacent to the house the color adopted 

 should conform to the residence. 



White may always be used with safety and will intensify the 

 shades of green leafage by contrast. There are various shades of 

 brown obtainable, from the tint resulting from the use of creosote 

 " oil grade one " to the almost black shade of Van Dyke brown. 

 These latter colors are especially attractve in combination with the 

 brick or stone substructure. 



COLOR OF WOODEN GARDEN FE.-\TtJRES 



The color of wooden garden features is a subject well worth 

 considerable thought. White paint is used more frequently than 

 any other and, although pleasing to the eye when the foliage is on 

 the plants, it is most glaring and cold looking in the Winter season. 

 Shades of green are good but do not afford sufficient contrast. On 

 the whole, shades of brown and weathered oak tints will give the 

 greatest satisfaction. 



