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Planning Your Garden
In time the outlines of the garden become so familiar to the owner that they only feebly impress him, but not so the beds, borders, and other parts of the garden devoted to flower display. The latter are ever changing with the seasons and growth of the plants, and thus are places of perennial interest. This, I think, is sufficient reason for attention to the smaller garden problems, and I regard such problems, so far as they involve constructive work — in which I include planting — as coming within the province of the garden designer. Whether his efforts are directed to the removal or concealment of some eyesore, or to the creation of some pleasing effect in color, or to providing a means of growing some specially interesting kind of plant, the result will be of value to the garden as "finish," that quality which will stamp his work with the character of thoroughness.
A reserve plot is a useful adjunct to any garden. It may be placed wherever a convenient spot is available, but most often it is associated with a kitchen garden, which is perhaps the best practice. It is just a place for raising and pricking out seedlings, but if space permits it may be made to serve the further purpose of growing flowers for cutting. Most garden owners are only too delighted to offer plants to their friends, and the reserve garden is the place from which they may distribute surplus stuff without making gaps in the beds. It also conduces to economy, for nearly all the hardy perennials may be easily raised from seed in the reserve garden, and it is a source of much interest so to raise them.
The Evolution Of An Ideal Lot
WHILE it may be quite true that there is but one ideal plan for any given place it is also equally true that the development of that particular plan may be by gradual growth—a fact that is often overlooked. Given a proper general plan to start with the details may be elaborated step by step, always adding, never tearing down, and so giving progressive occupation for the gardener for several years ahead. This has been splendidly illustrated in an article in the Garden Magazine with the accompanying progressive plans, by Mr. C. Stanton, all of which are here reproduced. Taking the typical suburban division, it is pointed out that the land surrounding the dwelling is divided into three parts—the service portion, the "front lawn," and the living area. The service portion including the drives, walks, the garage, the clothes-yard, etc. (all those parts which are necessary to the proper functioning of the estate, but which we do not expect will add much to its beauty), should be determined first of all, as these things are fundamental to the comfort of the occupants and affect the every-day activities. This area is to be kept as compact as possible to save space, and so that it may be readily shut from view of the living area.
