136 
FLOWER-GARDENS AND THEIR ORNAMENTS. 
We have great pleasure in submitting to our readers another of a series of 
designs illustrative of that most delightful department, whether of an extensive or 
more circumscribed estate — ^the flower-garden. Disclaiming at once any intention 
to descant upon the comparative merits or demerits of the particular styles which 
have characterised the various ages that have elapsed since the systematic disposi- 
tion and arrangement of the flower-garden first engaged the attention of man, we 
shall for the present restrict ourselves to a few observations on the principal features 
of the subjoined figure. 
The accompanying sketch is a design for a flower-garden, intended to occupy a 
quarter of an acre of a ground, which it is presumed will be considered sufliciently 
small for gardens of very limited extent ; and by reference to the letters inserted in 
the plate, the reader will perceive that every desirable and ornamental feature which 
is capable of being displayed within such a narrow boundary, has been appropriately 
and tastefully introduced. Over the central walks of the garden, there is an 
arched trellis- work, «, «, which should be constructed of iron wire, and painted 
green, for the purpose of supporting different descriptions of climbing plants : h, 
are two fountains, the formation of which must be regulated according to the taste 
of the proprietor, and if judiciously executed, will constitute truly interesting- 
objects : c, c, are pedestals on which may be placed statues of Flora, 
Pomona, Diana, or other appropriate ornaments ; and d, are likewise pedestals, 
intended for vases of different forms. The central plot is surrounded with a verge 
of grass, and the transverse walks thereof are to be edged with box. The six other 
plots which environ the central one are intersected with strips of grass, the ground 
colour throughout being intended for flower-borders, which should be slightly 
raised towards the middle. The circular flower plots which bound the whole, are 
surrounded by small gravel walks, which are to be edged with box, and these 
walks should be connected with each other, so as to render each of the plots acces- 
sible. The turf on which the pedestals c, c, stand, is to be inclined at an angle of 
45°, and the pedestals d^ 6?, are enclosed in small circular borders, on which may 
be placed fragments of rock, or shells, and by the introduction of a little soil 
amongst them, alpine plants may be successfully grown. The whole of the garden 
is encompassed by plantations of low shrubs, or American plants, such as Rhodo- 
dendrons, Ralmias, Daphnes, &:c., and the agreeable effect will be greatly enhanced if 
the boundary border be elevated at the back, so as to deprive the outline of that 
sombre and monotonous aspect which it would otherwise present ; not forgetting, 
however, to leave a few open spaces at irregular intervals for the purpose of afford- 
ing a prospect of the more attractive portions of the pleasure grounds. 
A flower-garden thus arranged would, we conceive, be in itself a model of per- 
fection, and the minor scale upon which it is designed renders it available in 
gardens of very limited area. Indeed, it is chiefly with the view of enabling the 
