HORTICITI/rUBAIi SURROUNDINGS OF FARAI HOMK. 21 r> 



HORTICULTl'RAL SUKHOUNUINGS OF TFIE FARM HOME. 



C. G. MAK8IIALL. 



Nebraska presents quite a difference in appearance in early summer 

 as compared with only a few years ago and it does the eye good to rest 

 upon so many beautiful farm homes surrounded with fine trees, flowers 

 and shrubs. Yet we have only begun to decorate and adorn our home 

 grounds. The best and most permanent results in the planting around 

 the homes have been accomplished by men who have tried to work out 

 a certain ideal, who have planted trees and shrubs because they wanted 

 them to decorate and protect the building site. Some varieties have 

 served their purpose well, while others have long demonstrated the mis- 

 takes of planters. 



It is interesting to consider the ideals and motives which induced the 

 pioneer to have these horticultural surroundings. Some were anxious 

 to provide shade and windbreaks for protection and comfort of the 

 family. Others loved the fruit of the tree and the vine. The same ideal 

 has been carried out in a general way in the plan of the lawn. It Is 

 the show window of the farmer's place of business — the thing he prides 

 himself in keeping neat, clean and attractive. There were some people 

 in pioneer days, and it is unfortunate for the beauty of our state, that 

 some of them still exist, who preferred to live in a house isolated on the 

 bare prairie with not a tree in sight. 



Occasionally we find a progressive, industrious man who believes it Is 

 necessary first to reap a fortune from the fertile soil before he can build 

 his home and surround it with trees and plants. This man is unfortunate 

 in being burdened with such an ideal, and experience usually teaches 

 him his mistake. The comforts and likes of the wife and children 

 should be considered. Every one is appealed to by things beautiful to a 

 greater or lesser extent and as environments and surroundings play a 

 very important part in character building, all these things will tend to 

 Inspire and to elevate the ideals of the young mind. Some have the 

 inspiration and desire to have the home made more attractive but from 

 a lack of knowledge in selecting and caring for the trees and plants they 

 fail to accomplish the desired results. 



In the first place it is necessary to give a little thought to varieties. 

 Those which are perfectly hardy in the particular locality should be 

 selected and if they cannot be secured from a neighbor or a local dealer 

 they should be purchased from the nearest reliable nursery. Too often 

 trees and shrubs are purchased from foreign concerns or those not hay- 

 ing an established reputation, and the purchaser gets stock which is not 

 adapted to the country and consequently does not thrive. 



When considering planting, one should try to get a clear idea at the 



