FLOWER-BEDS: THEIR 



will be strongly emphasized. Here I would 

 also plant such hardy shrubs as deserve a place 

 on the small lawn, grouping those of similar 

 habit, and scattering tall, strong growers 

 among the border plants. If the owners of 

 adjoining lots can work in harmony, very 

 pleasing effects can be secured by this style of 

 planting. To secure the best results low-grow- 

 ing plants should be given a place next to the 

 street, gradually increasing the height of the 

 border as it recedes, thus bringing the tallest 

 plants at the sides of the house and well to the 

 rear. In this way we form a sort of back- 

 ground against which to view the entire lawn 

 and house. The general effect will be found 

 very satisfactory. 



For groups of shrubbery we have no finer 

 plants than the Spiraeas and the Hydrangea. 

 When planted singly they are never so charm- 

 ing as when massed together, thus producing a 

 strong effect. Our best hardy large shrub is 

 the Lilac. Every yard ought to have three or 

 four of its best varieties. If I could have but 

 one shrub it should be this. Syringas, Weige- 

 lias, and Halesias are excellent shrubs, of very 

 easy culture. Bear in mind that a few shrubs, 

 well grown, are much more satisfactory than a 



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