6 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



realisation of which has been instrumental in procuring 

 so excellent a result. 



To begin with, no attempt has been made to interfere 

 with the natural ground level, and this, in the case of 

 small gardens especially, is a point of the highest im- 

 portance. The mania for carting earth from place to 

 place, and the craze for raising mounds and embankments, 

 has ruined the appearance of hundreds of promising 

 gardens, and has added enormously to the cost of their 

 construction. A certain justification might be found for 

 the practice if the site was hemmed in entirely by high 

 walls, which prevented any view of the surrounding 

 country : there can be none when the features of the 

 distant landscape are plainly visible from the garden 

 itself. A perfectly level garden is an anachronism on a 

 hillside, and equally out of place in a flat country is one 

 constructed on the terrace principle. As the charm of 

 many small country gardens depends so largely upon 

 the views obtainable from them, this principle is one 

 that must ever be borne in mind. Indeed, half the secret 

 of successful garden making lies in an endeavour to open 

 out rather than exclude any picturesque features in the 

 vicinity. This can often be managed without in any 

 way sacrificing shelter or priv^acy. To materially alter 

 the natural contour of the ground is usually a wanton 

 act, entailing labour and expense and bringing no reward 

 so far as beauty is concerned. The cottage garden is 

 artistically satisfying because it is in harmony with its 

 surroundings ; its owners have regarded Nature as a 

 guide and helper rather than an adversary to be stubbornly 

 resisted. 



Another noticeable feature will be the character of 

 the flowers themselves. As a rule the number of 

 varieties included is strictly limited — Roses, Hollyhocks, 

 Helianthus, Delphiniums, Lilies, Pinks, and the more easily 

 grown perennials. Instead of aimless dotting," the 



