90 
House 6 s Garden 
JOSEPH URBAN 
ANNOUNCES A NEW 
COLLECTION OF 
VIENNESE o4RT 
NOVELTIES IN SILVER 
ENAMEL BRASS GLASS 
IVORY KERAMICS 
[FOR] 
□WIENERD 
WERKST/cTTE 
0F AMERICA ,NC 
581 FIFTH AVE 
□ NEWYORKD 
BOOKLET ON REQUEST 
Gardens That Rise And Fall 
(Continuedfrom page 43) 
elements of design as unity, balance, and Many gardens rely chiefly on inti- 
emphasis are fully considered. Or they macy for their charm. If we were to 
may be a part of an entire garden project, analyze this charm we would frequently 
where the individuality of each terrace find that the clever designer had attained 
is subordinated to the climactic motive it by lowering certain areas in his garden 
of the whole, which may take the form scheme. The quietness and seclusion of a 
of a fountain, a pool, or some other archi- design may be made more certain by 
tectural feature. This motive must, lowering the central area. In this way, 
however, be sufficiently large in scale to too, the apparent height of the foliage 
balance the whole composition. And boundary or architectural screen may be 
details of planting and construction must increased. Our whole plan builds up 
receive ample consideration in order that about the lower panel to the highest foli- 
the interest of the observer may be age at the outer edge. This gradual 
maintained throughout. building up of heights, through cleverly 
The third possibility of varying levels arranged planting in keeping with the 
may be in the introduction of raised areas changes in grade, affords wonderful op- 
above the level of the main garden which portunities for secluded walks passing 
will serve as overlooks, where perhaps a close to our boundary plantings, yet hid- 
seat or a shelter may be provided in order den from the rest of the area by the in- 
that one may leisurely contemplate the tervening foliage. 
view. By such means we may also fre- How often we feel on entering some 
quently introduce into our gardens vis- portion of a garden that it reaches out 
tas of the surrounding landscape which and encloses us, shelters us, and forms a 
would detract from the interest of the setting for some exquisite piece of sculp- 
garden itself if seen from within its com- ture. Subtly the effect of this detail is 
pass. Such overlooks, or gazebos, as they enhanced by lowering the level about it a 
are frequently called, usually are placed step or two. 
at the termination of some minor path, Another possibility in making use of 
or set in the corners of more formal de- existing varying levels in the ground we 
signs. They are set aside from the rest of wish to use for a garden is shown in the 
the garden by being slightly raised and development of the so-called naturalistic 
enclosed, perhaps with a vine covered style, in which the designer attempts to 
wall, a trellis, or picturesque trees, like catch and portray some mood of the na- 
the white pine, whose horizontal branches tive landscape. This type of garden has 
frame the view back into the garden itself, found favor in this country, and although 
or beyond over the hills and sea. We need it has charming possibilities it should 
not hesitate about the extent or scope of never take the place of the more formal 
such views, for although it is true that flower garden, or be considered in close 
they would dwarf and make puny our proximity to the house, for it does not lend 
garden efforts by their vastness if they itself well to architectural lines. How- 
were easily seen from the main level of ever, it proves a delightful treatment in 
the garden, they are added attractions some uneven and secluded spot, and is a 
when viewed from an overlook and do satisfactory solution for such a problem, 
not obtrude themselves into our designs. Rambling paths and by-paths, planted 
The importance of the terminal fea- with shrubs high enough to shut out views 
tures in our gardens, usually the highest into the surrounding scene, may by this 
point of accent, whether pergola, pool, or means concentrate the attention of the 
tea house, may be greatly enhanced if we observer on the immediate detail, or that 
place it on a higher level than that of the which is just beyond. In most instances 
main garden. Here again architectural this detail will be groups of shrubs or 
detail in steps, walls, and balustrades unusual flowers or worthy specimens 
may be introduced, and about the ter- used as accents among the more abundant 
minal feature on this elevated plane we or common plant material, or masses of 
may develop paths or flagstone walks, gay color in perennials or bulbs planted 
nice in proportion in order that they may at the base of the shrubs, 
be appropriate to accompany it. ( Continued on page 92) 
Garden roses edge the lower level of this retaining wall 
and creeping roses fall over from above. The step risers 
are of brick on edge to match the wall, and the treads 
are of slate 
