AMONG SCHOOL GARDENS 



decided upon in the fall so that the soil may be 

 examined and carefully prepared for use in the 

 spring. The ground should _be_Jairly tyen, so 

 that the slope of the lay-out may be either all one 

 way or from one or two central lines or ridges only, 

 as from the top to the bottom, or center to the 

 sides of the garden. Such an arrangement would 

 usually settle the question of surface drainage by 

 the slope and crowning of the paths. If, however, 

 the ground is markedly uneven, it is important 

 to have a system of paths and beds that shall 

 drain it well. If the soil be wet and heavy, it 

 may even be necessary to introduce tiny ditches. 

 If the region be one of scant or infrequent rain- 

 fall, irrigation ditches must be considered. Still, 

 a unity of plan must be kept throughout, and the 

 laying out of both paths and plots subordinated 

 to it. It is impossible to give specific directions 

 for every site. Various plans must be studied for 

 the arrangement of the garden, for its shelter or 

 arbor, its toolhouse and other buildings. Only 

 general suggestions are possible. 



A garden should have a name. Bird-houses 

 add a pretty feature, and special guide posts or 

 signs interest the children. Sometimes they like 

 to name the paths and the summer house. 

 Fences, arbors, even trellises for small plants, are 

 best painted green. (It is worth while to buy 

 the very best green paint.) This color wears well 

 and harmonizes with nature's coloring. 



. A garden plan must provide easy entrance and 

 146 



