7Y/4 1 HOME FLORIST. 



fence, constructed in a depression, either natural or artificial, a place will be much enlarged in 

 appearance. Trees may be planted in such a meadow, which will impart to it a park-like 

 character. 



It is frequently possible to keep some object outside the grounds in view from a principal 

 window or garden seat, and where, from its attractiveness, it may seem desirable to do so, the 

 planting of trees should be done to effect this. It may be a neigh- 

 boring village, a distant mountain peak, or a steeple, or some edifice 

 possessing an air of romance, and, perhaps, the plantings may be so 

 arranged as to give it a beautiful setting between the trees, as it were. 

 By Fig. I it will be seen how, if a desirable view is in the direction 

 of A, the trees should be planted on each side of the line of vision, 

 to keep the object in sight. Sometimes an object in some direction 

 possesses an offensive appearance, making it desirable to shut it from 

 sight. In the same figure we will suppose such is the case in the 

 direction of B. It is plainly noticeable how trees can be thrown 

 across the line of vision to entirely hide the object. For this latter 

 purpose, evergreens are to be preferred, because of their being continu- \ %1 



ally in foliage. Fig. I. 



A few Things to be Avoided. In the first place let me say, avoid attempting too 

 much by applying the labor and expense necessary to put a place of certain size in order to one 

 of twice or three times the size, and consequently doing the work only one-half or one-third 

 as well. 



Simplicity is a prime element in beauty, and nothing can be more objectionable, in small 

 places especially, than intricacy of design, or the prevalence of an air of ostentation. Avoid 

 crowding numerous flower beds or groups of shrubs or trees about the lawn, especially if it be 

 a small one. 



In deciding upon a plan for your place, avoid the two extremes of exposing it too much, or 

 of rendering it too secluded by planting too many, especially of large growing trees. Errors 

 are frequently committed in planting Hardy Evergreen and Deciduous trees, by not taking "one 

 long look ahead." Many instances have come under my observation where Norway Spruce, 

 Pines, or other trees, which, with age, grow to large size, have been planted while small close 

 to walks, or perhaps the fence, house or other trees, in groups, without calculating for their 

 future growth or spread. Such mistakes are not so evident to the planter while the trees are 

 young, but after some years of growth, and after it is too late to remedy the matter, they 

 encroach upon the walks or house or injure other trees, which it is now also noticeable where 

 planted too close. 



Planting ornamental trees is a work requiring forethought, and it is not altogether for the 

 present immediate effect that it is done, but for time far distant as well, and one needs to have 

 the full-grown form, size and appearance in his mind's eye at the time of planting, if he would 

 avoid making blunders which never can be corrected. 



Never locate walks and drives unless there -is either a real or apparent need of them. 

 They may lead to a flower bed in the lawn or to a seat or arbor, or be carried through the out- 

 skirts of the grounds, but there should always be a meaning connected with their existence 

 some objects of interest in close proximity to them, or to be seen from various points along 

 their course. A writer of note has well said that "a walk leading nowhere and ending in 

 nothing is never satisfactory." A practice which should never be allowed in walks and drives 

 is for two bays or two projections on the same side to be seen at once. Use curves, as many as 

 may be desired, but no serpent-like twistings. Avoid, however, making the curves too short ; 

 they should be fair and continuous, and reasonably direct, otherwise in a roadway a horse 

 drawing a carriage would be likely to shave projections and avoid the indentations, and the 

 track of the wheels would soon show the fault of the design. 



In this country, where we are subject to severe dry spells almost every summer, terraces 

 (earth thrown up above the common surface, and made uniformly level, usually,) should, as a 

 rule, be avoided, unless means are at hand for watering the grass growing upon them whenever 

 necessary. The same might be said of rockeries, unless they can be constructed in a shady 

 situation, or where they can be readily sprinkled in dry weather. 



The introduction of miscellaneous ornaments about gardens, such as statuary, groups of 

 stones, artificial basins of water, or other objects of similar nature, should be undertaken with 

 caution, for although there are places in which these may be desirable, yet it is easy to have 

 more than are compatible with correct taste. A vase filled with vigorous plants seldom appears 

 out of place. 



Planning the Work. The best time to avoid the bad effects which naturally arise 

 from a poor arrangement of ornamental grounds, is before the work is commenced. How this 

 may be clone, is, by making an outline plan of the grounds to be improved, upon paper, locating 

 existing objects, such as the dwelling, outhouses, trees that may be standing on the grounds, the 

 highway, etc., in their correct position on the map, and then, with a pencil, do the planning 

 throughout upon this, until a satisfactory plan has been arrived at, which can be transferred to 

 the grounds in parts, as the work of improving goes on. It does not require much skill to 



