98 How to Lay Out 



CHAPTER XI. 



It is in Society as in nature — not the useful but 

 the ornamental that strikes the imagination. — 

 Sir Humphrey Davy. 



EAUTIFUL grountls are admired by everyone. One 

 such in a neighborhood is distinctive and acts as 

 an incentive and pattern for the adjoining prop- 

 erties. The artistic finish is often secured by planting 

 flowering slirubs, especially when they are used to hide dis- 

 agreeable objects, define the boundaries of property, and to 

 furnish an abundance of flowers throughout the summer. 

 As the seasons advance the slirubs \\dll present a varied effect, 

 especially if well chosen and arranged according to height, 

 color of flowers and foUage, and time of flowering. Even in 

 winter, bright, showy berries and highly colored stems add a 

 brightness that can be secured in no other way. The usual 

 method recommended for planting slu'ubs is in groups and 

 masses, with a few individuals on the margins. To plant 

 single slirubs all over a lawn spoils the open effect and reduces 

 the apparent extent of the grounds. There are slirubs native 

 to the localities that are well worth cultivating. Other va- 

 rieties have boon cultivated by skilful gardeners and importers 

 to be ec^ually hardy. A frecjuont visit should bo made to an 

 arboretum or a reliable nursery as the season advances to watch 

 the character of the plants as they grow. A (Quicker way 

 would be to secure the services of a competent adviser to tell 

 the best kinds of trees, slu'ubs, and flowers to use in the im- 

 provement. Avoid the too-free use of striking or startling 

 plants if harmony is desired, such hydrangea paniculata, the 

 varie":ated leaved shrubs, and weird grafted horticultural 



