ORNAMENTING HOME GROUNDS. Ill 



ground will answer for this purpose — coarse manure, leaves, 

 straw, sawdust or even boards, will answer. 



ARRANGEMENT. 



The effective arrangement of trees and shrubs is often a most 

 difficult problem. One of the first things to accomplish is the 

 screening of outbuildings and Other unsightly objects. The 

 best plants for this purpose are evergreens — especially those 

 which appear best at a distance, as Norway Spruce, Austrian 

 Pine or Arbor vitae (white cedar). It is not necessary that the 

 planting be done in formal belts or hedges. Irregular groups, 

 so arranged that the view is obstructed, are better than formal 

 hedges. A trellis covered with vines may often be made effec- 

 tive and attractive as a screen. Clematis, Bittersweet, or even 

 the common hop, may be used to advantage in such a place. 



There may properly be a border of low growing shrubbery 

 next to the house and it is well to plant a vine of some sort by 

 the piazza. Nothing is better for this purpose than the com- 

 mon woodbine or Virginia Creeper. Akebia and Actinidia, 

 two new Japanese climbers, are also good. In general, a better 

 effect is produced by planting in masses and borders, than by 

 dotting the plants here and there over the lawn. By the first 

 method a picture is created with the residence as the central 

 object, and one sees the grounds as a whole. The other method 

 is meaningless and the effect produced is that of an orchard or 

 nursery. 



SHELTER BELTS OR WINDBREAKS. 



The importance of a windbreak in exposed situations can 

 hardly be overestimated. The saving in fuel as well as the 

 increased comfort will well repay an outlay in this direction 

 when planting is better done. 



The best windbreak for general purposes consists of a mixed 

 planting of evergreens and deciduous trees such as Norway 

 Spruce, and sugar maple or elm. 



