465 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS 
CONDUCTED BY 
MRS, FRANCES COPLEY SEAVEY, 
IMPROVEMENT WORK IN THE SOUTH. 
It is with the utmost satisfaction that we note every 
indication of the spread of improvement work in the 
southern states, for the opportunities to beautify that 
part of the earth are great and, to a northerner, the 
means seem easy. No doubt when the practical side 
is considered in detail the evils to be overcome are 
found to be entirely sufficient for each day. However, 
to emphasize the home-making qualities of their glori- 
ous vegetation. 
They have a wealth of creepers known to us, — if 
known at all, as hot house plants. These should be 
utilized to the limit. Their characteristic shrubs 
should be in equal evidence. These include such 
things as Crepe Myrtle, Cape Jasmine (Gardenia), 
cream and scarlet Pomegranites, and the rich opulence 
of white and rose Oleanders which grow to good- 
sized trees in the gulf states. Then the superb south- 
ern roses, both bush and climbing! Do not let them 
fail to delight and amaze northern visitors with their 
bewildering variety and abundance. Those northerners 
who, happily, may escape the fiercest rigors of winter. 
ASHLAND, THE HOME OF HENRY CLAY, LEXINGTON, KY., AS IT APPEARED IN CLAY'S TIME. FROM A PAINTING. 
The present dwelliofr is almost a replica of the orig-iiial building-, and the errand old ash trees, from which it derives its name, are even finer 
than in the old days. The general appearance of the place as it stands to-day is almost exactly as shown here. 
there can be no question about the wider range of 
available planting material ; and it is casting no reflec- 
tion on the sturdy and picturesque beauty of hardy 
northern vegetation to say that many of the plants 
common to southern gardens have a peculiar charm 
that is as unfamiliar as if is agreeable to northern eyes. 
To develop to the highest point the characteristic 
beauty of vegetation either native or, by consanguinity 
or similarity of requirements, suitable to any given re- 
gion, is one of the secrets of horticultural success, and 
also involves one .of the basic principles oi garden 
esthetics. Our southern friends can do nothing more 
certain to enhance the beauty of their lovely land than 
will be only too glad to drift like the butterflies of a 
season, from garden to garden, if the gardens are 
what they might and should be. i 
One of the chief advantages the southern planter 
has over those who plan and plant for colder climates 
is the abundance of broad-leaved evergreens ranging 
in size from smalll shrubs to immensely tall trees, such 
as the splendid Magnolia grandiflora. One shrub of 
this character, a variety of Pittosporum, is in almost 
universal use in New Orleans and other southern -cit- 
ies for clipped hedges along street frontages, but in- 
variably behind the safe protection of tall (six or more 
feet) iron fences. This shrub stands close and re- 
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