LANDSCAPE GARDENING 183 



bear in mind that the house is the centre of the landscape 

 and that the view to or from it should be obstructed as little 

 as possible. It is desirable to have the lawn directly in front 

 of the house perfectly open, except for a flower bed or two 

 of low-growing plants. Trees, shrubs, and tall-growing flow- 

 ers are to be planted to the side and back of the lawn. Un- 

 desirable views are to be hidden by clumps of shrubbery. 

 The driveway and fence should be hidden by vines and 

 tall-growing flowers. Attractive views in the neighborhood 

 are to be made as available as possible. 



In planting it is desirable to mass plants together rather 

 than to have them standing singly. Many kinds together 

 give variety and a pleasing appearance. The appear- 

 ance is improved if they are set rather hap-hazard. They 

 then appear to have grown up naturally. Professor Bailey of 

 Cornell University, says: "When planting, do not aim at 

 designs or effects; just have lots of flowers, a variety of them, 

 growing luxuriantly, as if they could not help it." * For s-mall 

 grounds very few trees should be used and these should be so 

 placed as to be of most service as shade and not hinder views. 

 Evergreens should be set so as to screen undesired views. 

 Their lower limbs should never be pruned, nor should they 

 be sheared into fanciful forms, if a natural landscape is de- 

 sired. Shrubs and vines are used as backgrounds for low- 

 growing flowers. A large shrub or rose bush at the corner of 

 the house has a good effect. The lawn should not be cut up 

 by numerous flower beds. Unless it is quite large one or two 

 beds carefully placed is all that will look well in a lawn. It is 

 better to plant flowers along the edge of the shrubbery, 

 around the house, and bordering the driveway and fences. 

 * Garden Making. 



