Beautiful Home 
Surroundings 
Landscape Gardening Is not a science, but an art — one of the oldest and, 
without doubt, the finest and most beautiful of all arts. The Landscape 
Gardener paints his pictures and cuts his sculptures not In dead and lifeless 
pigments, marbles and bronzes, but in nature's own living materials. 
Some gardeners, so-called, have endeavored to reduce Landscape Gardening 
to a science — to envolve strict rules of arrangement, proportion and color, and 
to attempt to carry out their work in accordance with these rules. The result* 
are failure due to stiffness, artificiality, and monotony of color. 
Success In Landscaping, as in any other art, is obtained by giving rein to the 
sense of the artistic which is present in the heart of every normal human being. 
By what authority shall any one declare that certain colors do not harmonize? 
It Is a well-knovra fact that many artificial colors do clash and cannot be used 
In proximity. On the other hand, we do not all of us realize that nature's 
colors never clash. When brought together they tone each other down into 
contrasting harmony. He who would rule those colors out of a planting scheme, 
merely advertises the smallness of his sense of artistry and imagination. 
In beautifying your home surroundings, do not be afraid to give free expression 
to your own likes and dislikes regardless of what others may say. 
Since there are practically no laws to the art of Landscaping, we do not In 
this book attempt to set forth any hard and fast rules. It Is rather a book of 
suggestions, based on our observations of what we have known to give excel- 
lent results. It is also a book of information to aid the novice in getting ac- 
quainted with the materials which he will use. To that end we have classified 
the trees, shrubs, and evergreens, not according to their botanical specifications, 
but according to the purpose for which they are best fitted in beautifying the 
landscape. 
In beautifying your landscape, it is necessary to have in mind a picture of 
what you want to accomplish. It need not be a detailed picture, but it should 
be a general view of what you want. Thought, observation, and imagination 
win help make it complete. Perhaps your house foundations are bare; the 
corners and angles of the buildings may stand out too sharp. Over yonder a 
border planting will screen out that unsightly view ; here a clump of trees 
win break up this broad, empty space. A line of shade trees will add dignity 
8s well as comforting shade in summer. A border of large evergreens will 
break the force of winter winds and afford greater warmth and honiiness. A 
few vines will soften the harsh texture of the house and give u greater sense 
of coziness and seclusion to your piazza. 
Malje note of all these problems which altogether form your nu ntnl pictui-ei, 
and after you have them well in mind, begin tilling in your sketcli. 
