100 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



peonies, phloxes, larkspur, iris, etc., that may be utilized 

 in the decoration of a home. Generally they are root- 

 bound among grass and shrubs, and can never be made 

 of any value unless taken up and transplanted to good, 

 clean, well-enriched soil. In doing this only the strong 

 young roots should be used, and all grass and weeds should 

 be carefully separated from them. 



The fall is a good time for this transplanting, though it 

 can be done successfully in the spring before much growth 

 has taken place. If the land in which they are to be trans- 

 planted is not in a proper condition, the plants may be put 

 in good garden-soil for a year or two, where they will be 

 greatly improved and be ready for removal when a proper 

 soil-bed is ready for them. 



If the owner of a newly purchased old place is not 

 familiar with the trees, shrubs, and plants on the grounds 

 to be renovated, he should consult some one who can tell 

 him of the value of each, that only those of value be saved. 



Renovating the Lawn. 



The lawn or the grass in and about the grounds of most 

 old places has generally been so long neglected that weeds 

 and wild grasses have taken possession and driven out the 

 finer kinds that give the green velvety carpet, without 

 which any place, no matter how lavishly planned or grandly 

 built, looks unfinished. The first thing to do with the old 

 lawn, if under such conditions that the land can be ploughed 

 or otherwise worked deeply, is to turn the sod under, 

 manure heavily, cultivate thoroughly for one or two years 

 until the wild grasses and weeds are subdued, and then 

 reseed in August or April with 1 to 2 bu. June-grass, 1 



