GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

Articles In This Section:

· PRINCIPLES OF GARDEN DESIGN

· GENERAL ARRANGEMENT

· SHAPE AND GENERAL CARE OF LAWNS

· HEDGES

· THE PLACING OF PLANTS

The area in front of the home and any other part that is exposed to public view should give an attractive display and should enhance the general appearance of the house. Other parts less likely to be seen by passers-by should be carefully planned with much the same motive, but from them the gardener will expect to gather most of his indoor decorations, and in them he must find space for such things as a garage, a tool-shed, a compost heap, and a clothes-line. A good garden-planner will convert secluded areas into small vistas conducive to relaxation. Advantage should be taken of any fall of the land or other natural features, such as a projecting rock, to build terraces and grassy banks. If the area is too small for such schemes a small retaining-wall will allow a change of level in two adjacent areas.

Most soils need digging about eighteen inches deep before any planting is done, even the lawns; some soils need trenching. At the same time one must attend to removal of weeds, drainage, and addition of plant foods. The weeds should never be burnt or carted away, but thrown in a heap to rot. Allow the whole area to settle well before attempting to level it. Meanwhile more weeds will appear, and a little surface-digging to remove them while they are still small will help in soil preparation.