FLOWER GARDENS. 
57 
keep up the artistical character of a flower-garden, by disposing 
all the plants in circular beds, each of these containing a group 
of one species or family ; and to give variety, making the circles 
of different sizes, varying from eighteen inches to six feet in 
diameter ; and as another source of variety, placing the circles 
singly, or in larger or smaller masses or constellations , as he calls 
them. In one place a large circle may be surrounded by several 
small ones : or, where a thicket may be required, two or three 
large circles may be irregularly fringed, with a number of various 
sized ones, always observing that no two circles be nearer together 
than two feet. As these circles may be variously disposed on the 
turf, there would be no sameness in the composition, and much 
variety, both of form and foliage, would be the result. If squares 
were used instead of circles, more variety might be given ; but as 
angles cannot be so well concealed by planting, the curving out¬ 
line of circles are to be preferred. 
As the tallest growing plants would always occupy the centres 
of the circles, and the others according to their stature would be 
graduated down to the peripheries, the whole might be supposed 
to appear like an assemblage of distinct tufts or cones of foliage. 
But this would be no more offensive to the eye than what is 
commonly called a hanging wood , which is universally admired in 
sylvan scenery, from the numerous catching lights reflected from 
such a surface. 
The adoption of this style, for giving pleasing features to a 
flower-garden, affords facilities to the flower-gardener for group¬ 
ing his plants, and in choosing just such sized beds as will contain 
his stock of plants, whether perennials, biennials, or annuals. 
Single trees of the most ornamental character may occupy the 
centres of some of the larger circles ; and these may be accom¬ 
panied by shrubs of similar foliage and hue : and from the diver¬ 
sity of tints and manner of leafing of the different groups, if 
judiciously associated or dissociated by the planter, much of the 
beauty of the garden will arise. 
A full breadth of lawn in due proportion to the area of the 
garden should be preserved, and which, from the shape of the 
beds, would have an exceedingly varied outline, advancing or 
receding from the eye, from whatever point it may be viewed. 
Gardens, which have been laid out in this manner, it is said, 
have a very fine effect; and though recommended by Mr. L. for 
VOL. IT. NO. III. i 
