Zinnias in foreground, Coleus at rear
The path narrows as you pass the cypresses, drawing your eye to a bigger, fancier fountain in the back of the garden. The use of vertical accents, and of surprise in a short vista, is a basic element of good garden design. You want to draw the strolling visitors along the path, and give them something to keep them exploring. The reward at the end is the movement of water, and a place to sit in the shade of a long arbor structure; this part of the garden is officially named the Lois Crowe Patio, after a long-time Arboretum docent and generous donor. 