DOI Heft:
Nr. 158 (April 1910)
DOI Artikel:Priestman, Mabel Tuke: A small formal garden in the suburbs
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19866#0229
A Small Formal Garden
ASMALL FORMAL GARDEN IN THE
SUBURBS
BY MABEL TUKE PRIESTMAN
Suburban homes of moderate size are
likely to be surrounded by insignificant gardens, be-
cause it is felt that so small a space cannot be culti-
vated to advantage; but this is a mistake, as small
gardens often give more pleasure than large ones,
which must of necessity be left to the care of ser-
vants. One of the most beautiful gardens I have
ever seen was on the outskirts of an old cathedral
town, and because the lot was so small it was graded
from the top of the high walls that surrounded it to
the deeply sunk path which wound down the center.
The long, sloping banks gave much more space for
growth than a flat surface would have done, and the
middle of the garden was so cool it was almost a
grotto. Alpine flowers collected in travel were
planted in profusion, and cascades of water trickled
over irregularly shaped rocks to the center of the
pool in this oasis of loveliness. Rocks were placed
at the end of the garden, upon which ferns and
water flowers flourished in careless profusion.
Pathways intersected these groups of rocks, and it
seemed almost miraculous that this grotto garden
was actually the same size as the surrounding com-
monplace ones.
The garden at Ogontz, near Philadelphia, re-
minded me of this beautiful garden at Gloucester,
England, in that every inch of space has been uti-
lized, and a comparatively small lot converted into
a beautiful garden by careful planning and thought
for the general loveliness. The usual idea of a few
shrubs and lawn as the only means for making an
attractive small garden should be a thing of the past.
A beautiful formal garden is not only of never-
ending interest to the owners, but is a public benefit
as well, as an architectural garden of this kind can
be enjoyed by the neighbors as well as passers by.
From the railroad a bird's-eye view is obtained, so
that not only does it give pleasure to those living
near, but a glimpse caught by those in the rapidly
moving train gives the impression that Ogontz must
be noted for its singularly beautiful gardens.
The garden was added some time after the house
xlvii
ASMALL FORMAL GARDEN IN THE
SUBURBS
BY MABEL TUKE PRIESTMAN
Suburban homes of moderate size are
likely to be surrounded by insignificant gardens, be-
cause it is felt that so small a space cannot be culti-
vated to advantage; but this is a mistake, as small
gardens often give more pleasure than large ones,
which must of necessity be left to the care of ser-
vants. One of the most beautiful gardens I have
ever seen was on the outskirts of an old cathedral
town, and because the lot was so small it was graded
from the top of the high walls that surrounded it to
the deeply sunk path which wound down the center.
The long, sloping banks gave much more space for
growth than a flat surface would have done, and the
middle of the garden was so cool it was almost a
grotto. Alpine flowers collected in travel were
planted in profusion, and cascades of water trickled
over irregularly shaped rocks to the center of the
pool in this oasis of loveliness. Rocks were placed
at the end of the garden, upon which ferns and
water flowers flourished in careless profusion.
Pathways intersected these groups of rocks, and it
seemed almost miraculous that this grotto garden
was actually the same size as the surrounding com-
monplace ones.
The garden at Ogontz, near Philadelphia, re-
minded me of this beautiful garden at Gloucester,
England, in that every inch of space has been uti-
lized, and a comparatively small lot converted into
a beautiful garden by careful planning and thought
for the general loveliness. The usual idea of a few
shrubs and lawn as the only means for making an
attractive small garden should be a thing of the past.
A beautiful formal garden is not only of never-
ending interest to the owners, but is a public benefit
as well, as an architectural garden of this kind can
be enjoyed by the neighbors as well as passers by.
From the railroad a bird's-eye view is obtained, so
that not only does it give pleasure to those living
near, but a glimpse caught by those in the rapidly
moving train gives the impression that Ogontz must
be noted for its singularly beautiful gardens.
The garden was added some time after the house
xlvii