IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL PLANNING 



CHAPTER I 



IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL PLANNING 



How very seldom it is that the home builder gives the same 

 thought and consideration to his outdoor home surroundings that he 

 gives to the interior of his home ! Do we not enter a man's home 

 the moment we set foot on the property, and not, as generally ac- 

 cepted, when we cross the threshold ? 



There are many important reasons for the careful planning of 

 the home grounds and I would lay particular stress on these: The 

 greater enjoyment of our surroundings; The expression of taste 

 and personality; The enjoyment of others; The uplift of the com- 

 munity; The econoni)' of execution. 



GREATER ENJOYMENT OF OUR SURROUNDINGS 



To get the greatest amount of enjoyment out of our home sur- 

 roundings from a purely practical standpoint the drives, the walks 

 and other utilitarian features should be carefully planned in their 

 relation to the house. Much thought should also be given to the 

 location and arrangement of the garage, stable, chicken houses, and 

 other buildings apart from the main house. 



From an esthetic standpoint an even greater amount of thought 

 should be given to the accentuating, through the correct framing of 

 any architectural features of the house (Fig. 1) ; to screening out 

 unsightly views; to the establishing of vistas; and to the locating 

 and planting of the gardens. Every tree and shrub, every plant 

 and plantation, should bear a definite relation, one to the other, in 

 the general scheme. 



EXPRESSION OF TASTE AND PERSONALITY 



It is a very welcome thought that, as yet, the taste and refine- 

 ment of the average home builder is not judged entirely by the 

 exterior arrangement and adornment of his property. It is only 

 when it is brought to his attention through some striking incident 

 that the average man is brought to the realization that, to the ma- 



