ILLUSION OF SPACE

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 22, 26 February 1940, Page 8 (Supplement)

ILLUSION OF SPACE

A “LARGE” SMALL GARDEN It is an erroneous idea to suppose that a garden can be beautiful only because it is big. Large gardens entail endless work and expense, which is all right 7f one has money to spare, and can afford to hire labour, but the small garden is economical to run, and the work does not usually get beyond the average householder, says a writer in the “Sydney Morning Herald.” The smaller the garden is, the more important is the task of keeping it gay and bright at all seasons of the year, and, although to achieve this one must work out a definite plan, the result is worth the trouble.

The introduction of large-scale features to the small garden is wrong, as it makes it look overcrowded. Trying to grow too many plants is another fault which must be overcome. Plants grown from seed are so cheap (except, of course, very choice varieties) that one is tempted to allow too many to grow closely together: too many others of vigorous growth spread quickly and kill off the weaker ones: and so the borders, instead of being a joy. are a disappointment, and the effect aimed at is not achieved.

Well-Planned Walk To convey the impression of some at the outset make the walk wideenough to allow two persons to walk abreast comfortably. A strip of grass on either side of the walk will strengthen this illusion, and if the borders between the tiny strips and tlie lawn are filled with flowers ami plants of moderate height, so that the view of the lawns is not obstructed, the impression will he further heightened. Another idea for the garden in front which has a central position for the gate is to have a flagged path from gate to door, the path forming a circle half-way up. A border on either side of the pathway could be planted with standard roses and edged with small plants such as bedding begonias, pansies, petunias, phlox drummondii, portulacc-a, primulas, sticks, wall-

flowers, and the lilliput pastel zinnias. This border would not obstruct the view of the lawn, and the desirable air of dignity would be preserved. Winding walks, and large, irregular shrubs should be avoided, as they destroy the restful aspect of the smaller garden. flrow sweet-smelling flowers such as carnations, pansies, mimulus (musk), stocks, and wallflowers near the house. Avoid high hedges, which tend to make the space look more confined; lew-growing flowering hedges are better.