DESIGNING A GARDEN 29 
“ front yard,” “ back yard,” and sides, if there 
are sides. Before a bush or tree or flower is 
planted, a plan which holds all these some- 
what separated parts together into a well bal- 
anced and consistent whole should be adopted. 
This is necessary not only from the esthetic 
point of view, but from the practical as well, 
for only the most careful planning will insure 
the needed space for the various garden fea- 
tures; only such planning is economical in the 
true -«pnse of the word. It is the arrangement 
of these features in accord with the ideals of 
harmony and beauty — and economy — that 
constitutes garden design. 
A vast amount of theory has been promul- 
gated with regard to this art, and hundreds of 
years of controversy have illuminated or ob- 
scured the subject, according to the nature of 
the controversialists. But all the discussion 
has left us very little indeed that is suggestive 
when it comes to dealing with the most modern 
problem of all in gardening, the problem 
which is now before us. It really seems that 
we must solve it independently, just as we are 
solving the problem of the suburban house. 
Present conditions must evolve something to 
meet their need. That a desire to do some- 
thing more definite than has been done is man- 
