GARDEN DESIGN. 



575 



of composition about a fixed line of view. Small groups should 

 be placed to connect the larger masses, and collections of trees and 

 shrubs or single trees may be added where necessary to complete 

 the appearance of continuity, as well as to produce the effect of 

 intricacy and light and shade. Boundaries should not be planted 

 continuously except for some necessary reason, as unbroken masses 

 of foliage destroy the sense of space and liberty. Openings should 

 be left to frame some distant object, such as a church spire, a bridge, 

 a ruin or other feature. Many external objects, which scarcely 

 occasion remark when one sees them in the open country, become 

 almost treasured possessions when framed in a garden picture. 



In determining the kinds of planting to be employed one must 

 be guided by the texture, shape, and colour of the leaves, and by the 

 size and habit of the tree. A quiet and restful effect will be obtained 

 by planting large masses of the same kind of tree of unobtrusive 

 shade and texture, as not only do they help to show up more con- 

 spicuous neighbouring trees, but the employment of a dominant 

 note connects the whole of the planting and increases the feeling of 

 unity. 



Foliage of heavy and uniform texture makes the best back- 

 ground for other planting. A group of trees should generally 

 consist of a larger proportion of such foliage than of the lighter and 

 more feathery kinds. Dark and heavy greens should be used for 

 groups in association with old buildings, and lighter shades where 

 less serious treatment is required. Light and feathery trees are 

 most suitable near water. The temptation to plant in a small garden 

 a medley of single trees of the brightest colours that can be found 

 should be resisted. There are so many trees of beautiful form and 

 texture which have lovely flowers in the spring and exquisite tints in 

 the autumn that there should be no question of using them rather 

 than an excessive number of trees of brilliant foliage. 



There are endless opportunities for study in the harmonious 

 association of the leaves of trees, but it is almost impossible to give 

 any governing rules. 



The combination of foliage in colours which are rightly contrasted 

 is generally more effective than that in which the shades are somewhat 

 similar. Daring tints can frequently be harmonized by the intro- 

 duction of a green or greyish hue and yielding habit. Foliage of the 

 type of the sea-buckthorn will make peace between the colours of 

 almost any two plants which are inclined to clash. 



I should have liked to say something about the fascinating subject 

 of flowering shrubs, and the infinite possibilities of their use, but 

 that topic, I am afraid, is too wide-reaching to deal with now, so I 

 regretfully pass it by. 



It might be asked, in giving such dominant importance to the 

 matter of trees and shrubs, where one should grow the flowers, upon 

 which depend the gaiety and intimate pleasure of the garden. 



Ample provision for flowers can be made, but it should be 



