34 MOUNT ARBOR NURSERIES, SHENANDOAH, IOWA 
ORNAMENTAL DEPARTMENT 
A great many people are beginning to realize that by expending a little time and study they 
can have well-kept and attractive grounds, adding to the beauty and comfort of the home and 
increasing the value of the property. If the grounds surrounding the house are extensive, beau- 
tiful effects can be produced by planting shade trees, shrubs, vines and flowers according to some 
pre-arranged plan. If the grounds are small, a few shrubs such as the Altheas, Hydrangeas, 
Spireas and other sorts can be used to good advantage. Vines trained over porches, trellises, 
fences, etc., can be made very effective at a small cost and give great comfort and satisfaction 
not only to yourself, but your neighbors. Real estate owners who have vacant property to sell are 
beginning to plant fine trees and shrubs, knowing that they can secure a larger percentage on 
their investment when the ground is sold, as purchasers will pay more for a fine looking lot than 
one given over to unsightly surroundings. We would also emphasize the fact that you should 
buy none but the best. Few people realize the importance of getting started right. A little thought 
will convince you that it is not the quantity, but the quality that counts. Buy none but the best 
stock, properly grown by reliable nurserymen, who have given their best thought to the careful 
propagation and best varieties. We have a large stock of all kinds of shade trees, ornamental 
shrubs, etc., that has been selected with the greatest care and attention, both as to variety and 
quality. 
HOW TO PLANT 
A fine, well-cut lawn is one of the handsomest features of a place. Do not make th« mistake- 
of planting at random all over the grounds. Trees and the larger shrubs may be planted along a 
lane or avenue leading to the house, or dotted about the lawn on lines radiating from it. This will 
secure light, air and a good view from the house. In laying out the grounds, take into consid- 
eration economy in labor, and make as few walks as possible. Upright shrubs, roses and flowers 
should be planted in clumps, each kind by itself, and avoid making the lawn look like a checker- 
board. These beds should be well cultivated and the plants pruned annually. Mass the trees and 
beds on the boundaries so as to leave a broad space for the lawn, and where there is a pretty 
view leave an opening. Where there is an unsightly object, conceal it by planting trees or climb- 
ing vines. Do not plant large trees near the house, except enough on the sunny side for shade. 
Plant shrubs and small trees twice as thick as they should be when fully grown. This will 
make a good showing at once, and when the growth of the plants has made them too thick, some 
should be taken out. It will not do to plant so little that years must elapse before a fine effect 
can be produced, but, by planting a surplus at first, they can gradually be taken out. 
VINES 
Should be planted near to and allowed to climb upon and about the house, or trained on 
posts, trellises, arbors or stakes placed in suitable locations on the lawn. 
Groups of trees and shrubs possessing bright-colored bark or foliage, and groups of flowering: 
trees and shrubs, are highly effective when in blossom and should be more generally planted. 
Weeping trees are especially desirable on small lawns. 
