Evening star., 1942-08-02

screening, entrances and walks. If
the yard permits of a shady recrea-
tional area, this. too, is given some
study and planning.
With charts for the development
of each worked out they are trans
lated to a larger plan for the yard
as a whole and the intervening
spaces studied. Usually this larger
layout gives us broad perspective
which soon shows how well we are
developing the whole and whether
or not it produces attractive, inter-
esting views when looked at from
the house or other observation
points.
Obvious Balance
Unnecessary.
The great advantage of an in
formal plan is that it does not have
an obvious balanced design in which
the lines are given definite form.
Many an attractive back yard is de-
veloped to bring out interesting
spots. At the same time this treat
ment works to shut out undesirable
views and to make the most OF its
special problems.
This is accomplished through the
massing of shrubbery at certain
points, perhaps around small tree
(the tree to give height, which ex-
tend into the yard considerable
distance. Behind this mass Of
shrubbery, a flower bed, rose gar
den or other feature desired by the
owner may be developed. One word
OF caution might well be given here
do not attempt too many in the
small yard. A certain amount of
lawn is necessary as a setting and
to give space to the appearance OF
the yard
The informal design may be quite
plain with simple lines and shrub
berry used only to give accent and
variation to the lines. Such q simple
plan is an excellent way to begin
the development Of yard. As new
desires arise one may add TO sr ex-
pand. However, this can best be
achieved where one has complete
plan to work from. Then each
shrub, tree and flower bed may be
added as time and funds permit, and
when completed. will make the COM
plete picture as visualized In the
plan.
Place Pools at
Major Axis.
In formal garden pools should
be definitely placed somewhere along
the major axis of the design. In
the formal garden, irregularly
shaped pools are placed to one side
where they may have background
or setting. Flower beds are most
often placed in front of the shrub
berry borders, although they may be,
placed in 4 nook, set OF from the
rest OF the garden by groups OF
shrubs.
Walks and paths, in the formal
garden were part of the setting,
usually helping to carry out :1he de-
sign, but in the informal plan they
are kept to one ride and Elade as
inconspicuous as possible. And so
it is with all other features. they
are a part of the plan 1t is true, but
they should be made to assume
minor role so as not to mar the
picture.
Often it is necessary to employ
bit of formality in the design of
an informal garden so as to "tie"
the garden to the house. Where
there is a low terrace or low porch
at the back of the house, the tying
in is comparatively easy. However,
in many cases it will be necessary
to place shrubbery In striking groups
or rows so that the blending-in with
the lines of the house will be evi-
dent. This may necessitate having
a small section Of the garden 1txt
to the house. Such planting may
seem distasteful and out of place at
first thought, although, In practice
it often adds to the interest of a
| yard.
Whether your plans provide a
series of gently undulating curves
with flowers in front of The shrub
berry or a series of garden hooks,
each developing some interesting
feature, it should fit your needs and
interests. Thus, the pla IS should
be carefully reviewed and studied
in the light of your needs and not
be an attempt to copy some stock
arranpement