148 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENING 



Plants for Shaded Places. — There are few gardens and 

 grounds that do not have shaded positions, where it is difficult 

 to get plants- to grow. Such spots often spoil the otherwise 

 fine appearance of the grounds. These are difficult of treat- 

 ment, and suitable plants must be selected for the places. 

 The trouble is often due to the lack of moisture or plant-food,' 

 as well as lack of sufficient sunlight. This is shown by. the 

 absence of vegetation found under trees in the dense woods. 

 Where moisture and plant-food are abundant, shade is not 

 such a great obstacle. 



If the shade is caused by large trees, their roots dry out 

 and impoverish the soil and the branches keep off much of the 

 rainfall. If the ground becomes mossy it is a sign of sour- 

 ness, and lime or wood ashes is needed. The ground should 

 be spaded deep to cause the tree roots to grow deeper. Water 

 may be resorted to, but deep spading and thorough fertiliza- 

 tion are more important. 



Plants well suited t8 shady spots are ferns, wood anemones, 

 rhododendron, mountain laurel and a host of flowers found in 

 woodlands. A liberal mulch of rotted stable manure is an 

 excellent thing in both* winter and summer. 



AEBOll DAY 



As the spring season of .planting approaches and all 

 Nature is preparing to show her most beautiful dress, students 

 should become interested in ways of beautifying the school. 

 There is not a school in the land that cannot be made more 

 beautiful, and many of them may be improved very much. 

 The pupils will take a great interest in the matter if they 

 receive a little encouragement and leadership on the part of 

 their teachers. ' 



Beautify the school grounds. A woven wire trellis sup- 

 porting 'a thrifty vine would be a beautiful screen for those 

 unsightly outbuildings. Shrubs about the base of the school 

 building, in the angles of walks and growing in natural clumps 



