146 LANDSCAPE-GARDENING 



The joining of the boundary growth with the lawn 

 or ground cover calls for the exercise of skill. Satis- 

 factory effects may result from allowing the lower 

 branches of trees to spread out in their search for 

 light and rest upon the lawn. Certain shrubs, 

 like aromatic sumac, are well adapted for the border 

 of an open space, as their lower branches spread 

 horizontally, thus giving a graceful receding out- 

 line. In a shadowy bay with more upright growth, 

 a bed of ferns may find a congenial home. There 

 are many flowering plants which like some shade 

 and will help to make the front yard beautiful when 

 they are planted near its south boundary. For 

 the flowers which like sunshine, appropriate places 

 can be found along the north side of open areas. 

 A continuous uniform border of flowers, however, 

 along the margin of groups of shrubs does not look 

 well, j One's aim should be to introduce trees, shrubs 

 and flowers that will give harmonious combinations 

 of color, effective contrasts of light and shade and 

 graceful pleasing outlines.^ 



The floor of the front yard, the area about a 

 house usually covered with turf, may be treated 

 in various ways. Its grade must first be determined. 

 The house should appear to be on the highest land 



