BEAUTIFYING TIIK COUNTRY HOME. 17 



beds, have no sharp angles, but round off the 

 corners. This takes off the stiffness and gives the 

 place a more natural appearance. In arranging 

 groups do not plant three shrubs or trees in line. 

 It is much more natural to have them set irregu- 

 larly. 



Trees, shrubs, and even flower beds, should be 

 some distance from the house. A plain lawn, 

 nicely kept, gives the home an attractive and quiet 

 appearance, and by having the trees planted some 

 distance from the home, sunlight can be given free 

 access to all the rooms of the dwelling. See III. 6. 



In making a selection of flowering shrubs two Selection of 

 things must be observed, viz., select varieties suffi- ing r snrubs Wer 

 ciently hardy for the locality in which they are 

 required, and choose a collection that will bloom at 

 various times, from early spring until autumn. The 

 following are a few varieties that have proved 

 sufficiently hardy in Central Ontario, where the 

 thermometer reaches twenty-five degrees below zero: 

 Rose-colored and white-flowered Weigelia, large- 

 flowering Hydrangea, Tartarian Honeysuckle, Japan 

 Quince, Spirea Van Houttei, Guelder Rose or Snow- 

 ball, purple Lilac, white Lilac, Japanese Snowball, 

 Mock Orange, and flowering Almond. They will 

 also provide a long period of bloom. 



The size and shape of flower beds will depend Flower Beds, 

 upon circumstances. A family who are fond of 

 flowers will care for a larger and more varied collec- 

 tion than others whose tastes run in other lines, but 

 two or three flower beds on the lawn are necessary 

 for variety. These should be of varied shapes, and, 

 to get satisfactory results from them, a collection of 

 autumn bulbs, especially tulips, should be planted 

 in October, and covered with leaves or stable 

 manure. Snowdrops and the Crocus are the first 



