58 NEBRASKA STATP: H0RT1CULTURAI> SOCIETY. 



or a fine effect from the street. If the first is desired, th;. simplest 

 method would be to plant a hedge of privet, osage or mulberry. A modi- 

 fication of this is to plant an irregular screen of mixed trees and shrubs 

 and herbaceous material^. This last is a better plan as it gives oppor- 

 tunity for a greater variety of ornamental plants. Shrubs are seldom 

 used too much and on a small place they may be used in great profusion 

 because they take up little room. 



Two methods of grouping are commonly practiced, i. e., first, the 

 grouping of many flowering varieties in one mass whereby some kinds 

 may be in bloom at all times from April to November, and, second, the 

 arrangement of large masses of one species or variety. The former 

 will generally give the most satisfaction on small grounds, but on 

 spaces of considerable extent by planting many specimens of one kind 

 of a group will give the most pleasing results. Another use of shrubs 

 judiciously .planted to obliterate some of the unpleasant features of the 

 grounds, is irregular grouping along the walls, and massing in retreat- 

 ing angles of a building with its smooth surfaces and rectangular lines 

 arising abruptly out of the lawn; they help to break the line of demarca- 

 tion. Curves in walks and drives are made to appear more natural by 

 groups of shrubs and at points where the temptation to cut across to 

 shorten distance on the lawn, they are very useful. 



Some shade about the house is necessary for comfort during the hot 

 summer months and for shelter in the winter. Do not plant trees 

 too close to the house — forty feet is close enough. Any large established 

 trees should be retained where they do not interfere with your scheme 

 of ornamentation, for the most quickly growing trees that we have will 

 not reach the size to afford much shade under fifteen years of age. On 

 the small place do not plant tall trees on the inside, leave these for the 

 street line. Instead of planting short lived trees, such as willows, 

 poplars, birches, Scotch pine and many of the weeping and variegated 

 varieties, use oaks, lindens and fir concolor. 



After you have your trees and shrubs planted for a background, do 

 not forget the hardy herbaceous plants. This class of plants afford 

 more beauty and pleasure for the least expenditure of time and money. 

 For the small ])lace the mixed arrangement of planting will be the 

 most "suitable. Summer flowering plants, such as coleus, geraniums and 

 cannas, should not be planted in the middle of an open lawn— these 

 can be used to advantage with a good background, along the borders 

 of walks, or close up to the veranda. These plants produce effect during 

 the entire season, blooming soon after setting out and continue until 

 frost. For the bright eft'ect and the pleasure of watching these plants 

 grow they should be encouraged in the right place, which is not the 

 middle of a lawn. Do not make the mistake of overcrowding your 

 lilants; most persons want everything in the nurseryman's catalogue. 

 Have your place supplied with plenty of water so that the plants can 

 get an abundance when necessary and plenty of food material, then 

 Buccess is almost rertain. 



