ii6 GARDENS: THEIR FORM AND DESIGN 



For a formal water garden near a house something like 

 Fig. 82 is suggested. In the centre is a stone-edged 

 water-lily tank. It is circular, and surrounded by a 

 clipped box-hedge, which is not much higher than the 

 stone coping round the tank. Then comes a walk, and 

 next to it are beds of herbs. The four paths that lead to 

 this central feature have an edging of pinks upon either 

 side. Large orange-trees are placed at four corners, 

 behind the herb-beds, and thus graduated height, sloping 

 upwards from the tank, is obtained. 



Distribution of height requires as much study as correct 

 and proper width of paths, all of which has to be left 

 chiefly to the judgment and sense of proportion of the 

 designer. No absolutely fixed rules of correct measure- 

 ment can be laid down, as each place needs different 

 treatment, according to its varying surroundings and 

 requirements. When large orange-pots are suggested, 

 the idea in English gardens is to utilize them for many of 

 our lovely flowering shrubs, such as hydrangeas, lilacs, 

 choisyas, myrtles, and possibly bay-trees. Each owner of 

 a garden will have his own favourites amongst these. 



Where, in a small garden, the expense of building 

 cement tanks cannot be contemplated, and yet a small 

 formal water garden is desired, the following suggestions 

 may be suitable : If the garden is upon a slope, it will be 

 effective to level several terraces, making the greatest width 

 of each horizontally along the hillside. Upon the upper 

 terrace a large square galvanized water-tank can be sunk 

 level with the surrounding ground, and into this the rain- 

 water from the roof of the house will flow by means of under- 

 ground pipes. Two narrow flights of steps, made either 

 of stone or of disused wooden railway-sleepers, lead down 

 to the next terrace, where is a simple water-lily tank 

 garden, made with the help of disused children's travelling- 

 baths, and an empty paraffin cask cut in two to form two 



