It is possible to create a long view in the smallest of gardens, as in Fig.6 overleaf. Again, the grass area is extended towards the corner, and the sundial gives the illusion of distance and makes a point of focal interest. If an acceptable garden feature does not readily come to mind-much of the neo-classical sculpture available is a poor imitation of the original-it would perhaps be better to have something that is functional (if it is to be modern), such as a plant urn that would provide an accent of colour or a bird bath. It might also be thought there is little reason to find space for a replica sundial, with the exception of one device that has been copied from ancient times. This takes the form of an equatorial sundial of interesting design. It consists of three metal rings set at right angles to each other with a shaft passing through them which casts a shadow on the graduated ring. It is seen to best advantage mounted on a stone plinth 3 to 5ft(i to 1.5m) from the ground. Another important elevation in this garden is a greenhouse of hexagonal shape. Instead of partially screening it as might be desirable in the case of a more conventionally shaped house, the hexagonal greenhouse is an attr; tive architectural feature, balancing the sundial and standing on an area paving with crevices for flat-growing plants to soften the texture of t stone. A raised scree bed retained with stone walls 15т(з8ст) high seems mc appropriate than a rock garden which can look out of place in a small f area unless it is kept low. It can be a satisfactory alternative that provide; place for rock plants; indeed, some of the smaller alpines are seen to betl advantage grown in this way than in the relatively rugged terrain of a ro garden. (See also Chapter 13, "Ways with Alpines", p. 138.) Where the land falls naturally to a lower level, a rock garden sometim looks exactly right and may seem to be an obvious way of terracing witho the construction of walls, but it will also represent one of the mc time-consuming garden features, for most of the weeding has to be done 1 hand. OTHER ASPECTS OF DESIGN Variations of the "S" shape can be applie successfully to many designs and give the effect that is needed visually reduce parallel lines of boundaries, beds and paths. This is a theme several plans illustrated in this chapter. It is a satisfactory way, for instanc to change the straight edge of a border into a curved line. Rounding off tr corners of a square only slightly usually lacks definition, although, if tr curves are sufficiently bold, a rounded end to a rectangle, which would be full half-circle, or corners of a triangle, can be usefully made. Lawns, like flower beds, can be kidney-shaped, circular or ovoid, but sometimes makes an uneasy relationship if the curved line of a lawn adjoin the straight edge of a path or paving. It also creates small, wedge-shape beds that are difficult to plant. To give the path and lawn a look of mutu; attachment the wedges can be paved with either brick or stone as shown i Fig.