''Beautify Your Yard 



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WE Americans are every year coming to live more and 

 more out-of-doors. We are just beginning to appreciate 

 what a wealth of enjoyment there is to be had in the 

 sunshine and open air. We have been guilty, sometimes, 

 of making the inside of our home rich in beauty and comfort, while our 

 "parlor" out-of-doors was left quite bare and in appearance entirely un- 

 worthy of the people who lived inside. 



But it is different now, for we are coming out and learning the joy 

 of living with flowers around us ; therefore, while we are planning to do 

 this, let us do it right. 



Our motive, in landscape gardening, should be to make a picture of 

 the grounds about our home, so that, whether we look from without or 

 from within, the prospect will be pleasing. 



How, then, may this be done? 



Whether we have but a little dooryard or a lawn on a larger scale, 

 there are a few simple basic principles which, if carefully observed, will 

 help us wonderfully. First, avoid scattered effects ; bunch or mass the 

 planting, keep one or more spaces open and plant the sides or boundaries 

 with sets or groups of plants. A few single or individual specimens may 

 then be used where they seem best to fit. 



Remember that the lawn is our canvas on which we must place 

 the plants with consummate care ; arrange the walks and drives 

 where they are most needed ; leave open desirable views, and, if possible, 

 have a good prospect from every window (including the kitchen). 

 Screen undesirable objects from sight by the use of shrubs or trees, and 

 work hardest of all for an even growth of soft and rich green lawn. 



When building a house one first makes a plan, and so should it be 

 when planting the grounds around the house. It is easy to change things 

 on paper, but a tree once set is hard to move. Therefore, first of all, 

 make a plan of what you intend ; you will find that it pays. 



"Simple desires, with every desire 

 Well planned and well carried out, 

 Result in the best " lawns. 



