64 SCHOOL AND HOME GAKDENS 



kind or by hedges of privet, lilac, barberry, Japanese 

 quince, or some other plant that grows well in the locality. 



If the front yard is large, it may be well to plant a 

 tree near the center or in some convenient place where 

 it will be in harmony with the general landscape. For 

 this purpose the Ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, the Norway 

 maple, Japanese maple, horse-chestnut, and the purple 

 and copper beech are very satisfactory. 

 ^ For ornamenting the lawn itself, selection may be 

 made from the numerous varieties of spirea, lilac, hibis- 

 cus, magnolia, hydrangea, and other shrubs adapted to 

 the climate. They may be used either singly or in clumps. 

 Although it must be borne in mind that grass is the 

 most prominent feature of the lawn, trees and shrubbery 

 are placed there for the purpose of giving an artistic 

 effect to the whole. 



If it is necessary to have a back-yard fence, palings 

 should be used, for they are well adapted to support 

 Virginia creepers or other climbing plants. 



Buildings constructed of brick or stone may have their 

 appearance improved by hardy climbing vines. The 

 Boston ivy is excellent for this purpose. 



Large trees should be planted to protect the south 

 and west windows from the hot sun, as well as to pro- 

 vide shade for the back yard. Arrange trees there irreg- 

 ularly and on the border as far as possible. If there is 

 to be a garden or an orchard, large trees must be kept 

 out of the way and fruit trees planted instead of the 

 regular shade trees. 



