Home Gardens 



G. B. Goldsmith 



In these utilitarian days when eveiy new idea is met by the 

 question, "Of what practical value is it?", there is probably no 

 single activity which so well fulfils this requirement and at the 

 same time satisfies the love of the beautiful as gardening. Even 

 the plot of ground cultivated primarily for the sake of this same 

 "practical value" has something very attractive about its straight 

 rows and well kept paths, its luxuriant foliage or abundant bloom 

 suggestive of the crop to follow. 



The home garden may be planned primarily for either use or 

 beauty, and not infrequently, where land and time are of less 

 consideration, the purpose may include both phases. 



But of whichever sort the garden may be, the unusual diversity 

 of aim and the numerous opportunities for development along 

 many lines make it a work especially worthy of encouragement. 

 The constantly increasing call for summer activities shows con- 

 clusively that we are becoming roused to the necessity of provid- 

 ing occupation for children of school age during the vacation 

 months, and certainly no more wholesome work could be found 

 than that which gives direct contact with Mother Earth. Hoeing, 

 spading, weeding, and raking give abundant exercise to all parts 

 of the body and it is done under conditions that insure plenty of 

 fresh air and sunshine. And it is perhaps no small consideration 

 that the young gardener acquires a considerable respect for if not 

 real delight in, a rainy day when he sees the transformation which 

 follows. 



For many people whose children are anxious to earn some extra 

 pocket money beyond that which can be provided from the family 

 purse, the garden offers a welcome solution to the problem of 

 what they can do. The golf club, the polo ground, the shops 

 which desire errand boys and messengers are frequently considered 

 undesirable places for boys too young to have their habits and view 

 of life thoroughly established. A home garden, well cared for, 

 offers plenty of outlet for surplus energy and makes it possible 

 for parents to know the whereabouts and companions of their 

 children. Such parents should be, and usually are, perfectly 

 willing to pay the market price for all produce, and neighbors are 



22 



