PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL GARDENING 



vidual trees and shrubs. There is no purpose 

 in such planting, no unity of design. The plants 

 would be more effective massed near the build- 

 ing or around the edge of the lawn. The indi- 

 vidual specimens are aggressive, and should re- 

 tire to be lost in the mass, allowing the building, 

 which is the central figure, to be the prominent 

 feature in the composition, the planting being 

 merely an accessory for adornment. 



There is really no excuse for the dreary and 

 forlorn school yards seen so often about the 

 rural and village schools. They are usually un- 

 kept, with the schoolhouse, wood-shed and two 

 outhouses standing in bold relief, without a 

 screen of any kind. Two days' work would be 

 sufficient to prepare the earth and plant enough 

 trees, shrubs and seeds to transform the dreary 

 place into one of pleasure and delight. Annual 

 and biennial plants have to be renewed, and to 

 prevent this necessity it is better to use perennial 

 herbs and shrubs. When they are once started 

 they take care of themselves. An irregular bor- 

 der inside of a fence, a screen when necessary, 

 planted about the house, trees along the side- 

 walk and, where shade is desired, in the yard, 

 so change the place as to stimulate the children 

 to greater effort. When there is absolutely no 

 available space, window and roof gardens are 

 the only alternative. 



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