126 HOME LANDSCAPING

PLANNING

Landscaping begins with careful consideration of the character-
istics of a site. If the site has any unusual features they should be
incorporated into the landscape design. Even u ditch can be made
an asset when naturally sloped and planted and appropriately
bridged. Limitations are sometimes helpful in avoiding trite solu-
tions of the landscape problem. Unusual shape, topography, or
growth can often be featured to good advantage.

The site indicates the type of landscaping needed. For example,
the usual flat city or suburban lot requires some straight lines to
conform to its shape and to produce a tranquil effect. A sloping
lot has more picturesque potentialities; it could be developed as
terraces, each one of which could be treated differently. Only a
sloping lot with natural rocks suggests the development of a rock
garden. A rural acre with a winding stream and shrubs and trees
should not employ any straight lines or other formal ideas but
should be entirely natural. Foreign plants should be omitted in
favor of native materials. The owner of a hilltop with a view
should protect that view and keep all planting subordinated.

In planning the development of the landscaping the first and most
important step is to locate the bouse on the site. The location is
determined by drainage, exposure, space, shape of the plot, and the
position of trees. The house should be placed so as to dominate
the grounds. On the average city lot it is not usually advisable
to align the house with those on adjoining lots. If legally permis-
sible it would be best to place it well forward so as to provide
extra space in the rear. The area between the house and the street
may be one-half as deep as? it is wide. However, dramatic quality
can be created by placing the house very far buck, with the private
garden in front hidden behind a wall or hedge. A long impressive
driveway expresses formality,

A house should not usually be located in the middle of the lot,
but to one side, in order to allow one larger side area for land-
scaping. The location of the narrow side depends on the room
arrangement. If the garage is at the rear, the driveway usually
passes the narrower side of the yard beside the kitchen wall The
broader side might comprise a patio, loggia, or terrace, possibly
with a small formal flower garden.