PREFACE 



COOPEKATIVE gardening is one of the newer 

 movements for the education of the young and 

 for the elevation of neglected and unfortunate 

 classes ; yet it has already become an important 

 factor in the school and home life of many places 

 under the auspices of school authorities, civic 

 leagues, improvement associations, women's 

 clubs, settlement houses, libraries and other 

 bodies. 



This movement has two motives the trans- 

 forming of barren, dreary, ill-kept school 

 grounds and other uncared-for public places into 

 bowers of beauty and good taste, and develop- 

 ing in children love of Nature, appreciation of 

 her beauties and ability to enhance for their own 

 enjoyment and the public good the aesthetic effect 

 of their immediate surroundings. 



This book has been written especially in the 

 interest of children's gardens, but it contains 

 much that may prove of value to all who care for 

 this noble art. It is believed that it will be espe- 

 cially valuable in showing what can be accom- 

 plished by a slight expenditure of time, money 



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