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AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



May, 1913 



stick to things that are of a 

 small size — for instance 

 one often sees a giant 

 Hydrangea placed where, as 

 far as the size of the 

 grounds or the house is con- 

 cerned, a shrub of about 

 one third of its dimensions 

 would have been much more 

 suitable. Also, until you get 

 your grounds permanently 

 arranged you may find it 

 very convenient to make use 

 of Annuals where eventu- 

 ally you may expect to have 

 hardy shrubs or herbacious 

 Perennials. In this way, tall 

 Cannas, Castor Beans, Sun- 

 flowers, Summer Cypress 



Every home needs its flower garden, large or small 



which it is very hard to make 

 the beginner believe, but 

 which he will be convinced 

 of if he can once be per- 

 suaded to try it out. 



The Annual Climbers are 

 another class of plants which 

 are as a general rule alto- 

 gether too much neglected. 

 They can frequently be used 

 with telling effect in de- 

 veloping the treatment of 

 the small garden and for 

 quick results are unequalled, 

 covering bare or unsightly 

 backgrounds in an almost in- 

 credibly short space of time 

 and transferring them into 

 features of interest and of 



(Kiotchia), and other things of a similar nature can be made 

 to do while you are waiting to get more expensive things, 

 for in most cases the garden will have to be built up gradu- 

 ally, year after year, and this is infinitely the best way to 

 make it. 



For the hardy border, material is almost unlimited, and 

 is described in detail in several of the leading catalogues. 

 In ordering, you should exercise care or seek the advice 

 of your nurseryman, to select things which are suitable to 

 your climate, and furthermore (if you have not the services 

 of a gardener at your disposal) those which will not spread, 

 thus crowding out other things and causing trouble generally. 

 For masses, low beds, borders and edgings where the An- 

 nuals are used, you will be surprised at the much more 

 striking and artistic effects you can secure by the use of 

 single varieties and solid colors in masses rather than by 

 an assortment of various things. This is another point 



great beauty. Another thing to keep in mind in making se- 

 lections of plants, of whatever sorts, is the colors. The best 

 results, as a rule, are to be had by keeping them in one 

 "tone," especially where they are used in considerable 

 masses. Small plants for the border, etc., such as pansies, 

 do not make so much difference, but even with these you will 

 be surprised to see what a great difference is noticeable 

 where one definite color scheme is adhered to. Striking 

 effects are also obtained by the use of bold contrasts, but this 

 is one of the fine points of gardening, requiring experience 

 and skill, and the beginner should go slow in attempting it. 

 Care should be taken also to secure a succession of bloom, so 

 that something wll be flowering at all times during the sum- 

 mer. In conclusion, do not feel for a moment because your 

 space is small, that your garden opportunities are limited. 

 You are bounded only by your own inclination and willingness 

 to study them out and develop them to their full possibilities. 



Clumps of flowers artistically planted offer endless suggestions to the maker of small gardens for small houses 



