Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/881

 1869.] Landscape, Decorative and Economic Gardening. 713 will greatly depend upon the intention, and, to some degree, upon the taste of the proprietor. Certainly no profes- sional artist will feel perfectly satisfied, to hazard his reputation in recommend- ing a plan involving any considerable outlay of money, without visiting the grounds to be improved ; and ascertain- ing some leading points concerning the wishes and expectations of the owner. The proprietor should impart all the information in his power, relative to his own preconceived designs ; and freely answer all questions asked to that pur- port. It is to his interest that this should be done. The landscape-gar- dener will not, on the other hand, be unprepared to hear a good deal, that, perhaps, may not appear to bear closely on the subject; but he will thus gain a knowledge of circumstances, that will be of value in assisting him to arrive at conclusions. Nothing can be more unsatisfactory to the gardener, than to be accompa- nied over grounds ; and find no notice taken of his questions or remarks. This course is sometimes adopted in order first to learn the opinions of the visitor, so that he may not simply coincide with all that is advanced, from a desire td please his emploj'er. This is a mistaken conjecture ; and often leads to serious misunderstandings. The gardener, if experienced, will quickly take in the whole drift of affairs, and be equally reticent. He will naturally conclude, that, if the proprietor takes no interest in the matter, there will be but little prospect of appreciation, whatever the result may be ; and as he is thus denied, what is to him, the most important in- formation, to enable him to suit his ad- vice to all the conditions of the case, he will certainly feel, if he does not show, an equal indifference. The position of the main buildings, and the adaptation of their ground- plans, should be determined in consulta- tion with the architect. It is one of the most frequent oversights, to have the house built, regardless of its relation to levels, as affected by the subsequent improvement of the grounds. I have seen much trouble and expense involved in the endeavor to suit ground lines to the various levels of porches, door-steps, and basement openings, where attention has not been given specially to these particulars ; and these results will cer- tainly be experienced, where the ground- plans are decided upon, in the absence of a conference between the architect and the landscape gardener. The position of stables and all other contemplated structures, having been decided upon, the gardener proceeds to take accurate notes of their outlines and bearings, define positions for vege- table and other gardens, points of en- trance, direction of roads and walks, and other prominent objects ; securing such data and measurements, as will enable him to mature plans for the entire ar- rangement. In submitting his plans — which should be as simple and definite as possible, with but little attempt at mechanical embellishment — he should accompany them with ample references ; every tree, and at least all prominent shrubs, be- ing distinctly named, and referred to numbers on the plan. The written ex- planations should be particularly accu- rate and minute ; and reasons given for everj'thing proposed, both with regard to present, as well as to future effects, also full instructions concerning the relative order in which the operations should be executed, and suggestions for future management. All these memo- randa will then prove of more than im- mediate value, and be useful as refer- ences, and in comparisons made at any*- time thereafter. It can never be altogether satisfac- tory, to undertake improvements, until the proprietor sees clearly the objects and intentions of the design ; and unless this can be done, it is strong presump- tive evidence of defect, either in the plan, or in the explanations.