COTTAGE GARDENS 



visit is one of oflScial inspection a card stating 

 that fact and dated and signed on the spot is 

 left under the door, and on its reverse side the 

 returning householder finds printed the fol- 

 lowing: 



"In marking for merit your whole place is 

 considered your garden. It is marked on four 

 points: (1) Its layout, or ground plan; (2) its 

 harmonies — of arrangement as to color of 

 blooms and as to form and size of trees, shrubs 

 and plants; (3) its condition — as to the neatness 

 and order of everything; and (4) its duration — 

 from how early in the year to how late it will 

 make a pleasing show. 



"Mow your lawn as often as the mower will 

 cut the grass, but also keep it thoroughly weeded. 

 As a rule, in laying out your plantings avoid 

 straight lines and hard angles; the double curve, 

 or wave line, is the line of grace. Plant all the 

 flowers you wish, few or many, but set shrubs 

 at their back to give stronger and more lasting 

 effects when the flowers are out of season as well 

 as while they are in bloom. 



"Try to plant so as to make your whole place 

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