262 LA WN-PLANTING 



now and then — birches and cypresses, Ta/marix Indica and 

 Hibiscus Syriacus, — which should also mark infonnally 

 the corners of the lot, and complete, as it were, the frame 

 of the picture. What we mean by informally is an avoid- 

 ance of regular intervals or geometric arrangement. 



As a rule, also, never j)lant a large, dark evergreen in 

 front of, and mixed ■\\-ith, a lot of brilliant, light-colored, de- 

 ciduous trees, for thus planted it will dwai-f and weaken the 

 effect of the latter. On some lawns of good size, however, 

 a few massive dark evergreens may be used with effect in 

 the extreme and, if possible, northwest corner of the lot. 

 They will protect and give character to the place, and 

 heighten the effect of the deciduous trees. A striking 

 contrast may be obtained by interspersing a few white 

 birches among, and in front of, these evergreens. They 

 vdll serve, in this case, to brighten the picture both winter 

 and summer, — though usually" I prefer not to mix ever- 

 green and deciduous trees. This harmonious and contrast- 

 ing disposition of color requires careful study, and even 

 perhaps a natural gift. For instance, it is better to intro- 

 duce g&j, bright colors in w^ll-judged proportions. A few 

 bright flowers of deep i-ed, blue, or yellow, will have a 

 better effect dispei'sed here and there about the lawus than 

 in one great mass. Introduce them, so that hj means of 

 their different natures there will be always during the 

 season a few gay points in the pictui-e. 



The turf borders of walks must pi-esent a true curve, and 

 both sides be on a level. Their height should not be more 

 than two inches or less than one. Great depth of border 

 utterly destroys the effect of a walk. 



