TEEES, SHKUBS AND PLANTS 



411 



principles which may be suggested as a guide when solving 

 many of these problems. Before any planting design is made, 

 the grounds should be studied in reference to the general 

 arrangement that is most serviceable. The style of architec- 

 ture of the house, the position and character of any large trees 

 already on the grounds, the slope and general character of 

 the land, and any other natural condition should be studied to 

 ''see what kinds of beauty, what general character of pleasing 

 appearance these conditions most readily suggest." Each and 

 every home grounds 

 is more or less sug- 

 gestive of a certain 

 type of beauty which 

 may be brought forth 

 and emphasized with 

 the least difficulty. 



After perceiving 

 this type of beauty, 

 one must then pro- 

 ceed to make the 

 necessary details of 

 arrangement, empha- 

 size and enhance the 

 character thus select- 

 ed. One will first find 

 certain elements which detract from the beauty of the grounds, 

 which are defects in the picture, and should be screened by the 

 use of plantings. Views within the grounds such as the henhouse, 

 barnyard, a boundary fence or service drive and other unsightly 

 spots; views beyond the grounds as of a neighbor's shed, the 

 back of a neighbor's barn and other views hardly pleasing and 

 acceptable to the sight, — all these should be entirely hidden 

 from view by the use of plantings, or at least partially broken 

 up to minimize their unsightliness. 



There are other elements in the design which should be just 

 as carefully preserved and enhanced by plantings. The most 

 pleasing lines and portions of the house, for example, may be 

 emphasized and carefully preserved to the view. A wide sweep 

 of open lawn, with a border and background of trees and shrub- 

 bery, is always a pleasing and acceptable sight. Vistas without 

 the grounds as of a distant woods, a winding river or a neigh- 

 boring farm house, and even the travel upon a public road, are 

 often welcome sights which add to the pleasure and. value of the 



Fig. 211. — Suggested development of plan shown in 

 Fig. 210, with good views accentuated and bad 

 views hidden. — Courtesjf of College of Agricul- 

 ture, Cornell. 



