FURNISHING THE GARDEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20592, 15 December 1928, Page 3

FURNISHING THE GARDEN.

COMFORT AMONG THE FLOWERS. , It may be said by critics that the ideals set out in the article we reproduce below are not realisable in such an admittedly variable climate as that of Dunedin; and while it must be admitted that that is so, it may at the same time be contended that some of the best of the private gardens in Dunedin and suburbs could,at any rate.be partially furnished with such equipments as are referred to, and that there are many days even in our variable summer when much comfort, and pleasure could be obtained were more attention paid to such things as are recommended. Restful seats, for example, in suitable positions, are, in private gardens, as a rule absent. And it is undoubtedly a happy idea to have something in the nature of a bird bath, where the obvious pleasure given to our small feathered friends is reflected in the enjoyment of those who watch them. We hope the readers of our garden columns will make trial of the suggestions that are made. The article is copied from the Christian Science Monitor, an American newspaper which devotes a grfeat deal of attention to the garden and its attractions. A garden, no matter how beautiful it may he, cannot be fully appreciated or enjoyed, unless one can sit there in comfqrt and actually live in it. If the garden is situated close to the rear of the. house, as it should be, and with a door opening directly into it from the living pr dining room, it may be made to serve as a summer living room, a charming place for breakfast or luncheon, and a cool place in which the housewife may, perform numerous small tasks in such comfort as to make their doing somewhat akin to pleasure. If one is planning to use the garden as an added summer room, one must consider carefully the subject of furnishing it properly. The needs will be, of course, comfortable chairs, a table'or two, and in way of ornament there might be a fmndial or gazing globe. The garden furniture must be -sturdy, weatherproof, and essentially comfortable and decorative. Furniture of rustic cedar or white birch construction is inexpensive and may be made comfortable by the use of cushions, covered, of course, with oilcloth or some other waterproofed material. Deck chairs, with painted wood frames and seats of colourful canvas make excellent garden chairs. The garden furniture should not be scattered aimlessly about the garden, but rather placed in groups in a secluded shaded spot. _ The sundial will add greatly to the interest of the garden. In the small, semi-formal gardens so popular to-day, the sundial is not infrequently used as the central figure. There are great varieties of sundials to be had, and some are easily made at home of wood or sheet tin_ mounted on upturned logs, marked with paint, English ivy or lowgrowing deciduous vines are often planted about the base of the pedestal of the sundial, and have a softening effect. The gazing -globe affords beautiful pictures, providing the globe is situated in a garden overflowing with bloom.

Not the least important of the garden accessories is the bird bath. To have birds about the garden is desirable, not only for their song but also for their freely given help through their eating insects. Bird baths may be bought in various designs, but a very simple and effective bird bath may be made at home. It consists merely of 3, shapely* log, about 10 inches in diameter, topped by an old-fashioned earthenware pie dish, 10 to 12 inches in diameter and four to five inches deep. No other dish than an earthenware one should be used. The heat of a metal pan would keep the water tepid, which is not at all refreshing to the users of the bath.

A word might he said as to the situation of the bath. For the safety of the birds, it should be placed near a small tree. It is beat to have no thick plants within five feet of the bath. Dense foliage at the base of the bath would serve only too well as an ambush for cats.