ORXAMEXTIXG HOME GROUNDS. 21 



holds a place in one corner and golden button timidly holds up 

 its head in the background, while tiger lily and hemerocallis 

 dispute the right to exclusiveness. 



Possibly a third neighbor is inclined to have the "blues," and 

 then we find asters and larkspurs, bachelor's buttons, day lilies, 

 irises and tradescantia galore. 



How much better the effect would be if these dift'erent colors 

 could be united and toned down, not thrown together in crazy 

 patchwork, but harmonized. In general the "flower garden" 

 should be at one side and a little to the rear of the house rather 

 than directly in front. One suggestion with reference to the 

 display of taste in arranging flowers should be made. Although 

 "fashion" may sanction the practice, do not torture your neigh- 

 bors by arranging a display of pots and kettles, wash-tubs and 

 churns painted a glaring red, in solemn array before the house 

 — as if to remind passers by of the blood of the martyrs. 



WHAT TO PLAXT. 



The selection of trees and shrubs for planting is always per- 

 plexing. A few general principles may aid in solving the prob- 

 lem : 



1. Do not attempt too much. Grounds that are crowded, 

 even though the plants of themselves may be choice, have the 

 appearance of an over-dressed person. 



2. Do not discard native plants because they are "common." 

 The oaks, maples, hickories and elms : the viburnums, dog- 

 woods, roses and sumacs are unsurpassed in their respective 

 classes. We might name further the hawthorns, the wild crab, 

 the wild cherry and plum, the shadbush, the tamarack, the white 

 ash and many others of special value and easy to be obtained. 



3. Do not invest freely in untried things. If you have enter- 

 prising and experienced neighbors, consult with them before 

 ordering nursery stock. Otherwise correspond with some reli- 

 able nursery firm or with some person in whose judgment you 

 have confidence for advice in specific cases. It is usually safer 

 to place an order directly with some reliable firm rather than 

 with an agent. As a rule you will pay an agent 50 to 100 per 

 cent more than the same goods would cost if purchased direct. 

 and are less likelv to receive them in 2:ood condition. It is 



