First consider the size of the house. Is it large or small — high posted or 
close to the ground? Large or high posted houses naturally demand taller 
growing shrubs than medium, small, or low posted ones. The taller the shrubs, 
the wider should the bed be. This is in order to give room for several rows of 
shrubs — the tallest-growing next to the house, the shortest-growing toward the 
lawn, with medium sizes in the intermediate rows. This gradation of sizes is 
sure to make a pleasing picture. Also, it has a practical advantage. Tlie 
tallest-growing shrubs often grow bare for the lower half. The medium sizes 
also to a certain extent. But the low-growing shrubs seldom have this feature— 
they cover up the bare spaces in the taller shrubs and give a finished edge to 
the planting. 
In selecting shrubs, consider the position where they are going, and the 
height limit desired. Naturally you will not want tall-growing shrubs planted 
under windows, as they will soon shut out light. The tall sorts should go in 
Note how much more warmly attractive — how much more COMPLETE a home can 
be made to look by means of a simple planting 
the corners, at the angles, and in the blank spaces between windows — the medium 
or shorter-growing kinds under the windows. Thus you will prevent monotony 
in height. Remember, where the shrubs are tallest, make the beds widest. 
Thus you will prevent monotony in outline. In edging the lawn for the beds, do so 
In curving sinuous lines. If you don't exactly know where to terminate a bed, 
perhaps some practical feature will settle the question. Maybe there is a cellar 
window which you don't want to cover on account of light or for its accessibility 
to the coal bin. Very simple — ,iust end the bed by curving it around to the house 
wall near one side of the window. Or if there is no such feature to help you 
decide, just end it where you think it will look well. If later you want to change 
It, do so at the next planting season. 
