INTRODUCTION 
E love of gardening, in its widest sense, is a hereditary inclination in which cultivated mankind has indulged 
throughout all time. To own, to till and to beautify a bit of land, no matter how humble, is the absorbing 
desire of most men of moral breadth ; to possess a great area, handsomely embellished as to house and grounds, 
to dwell in its environment and amplify its charms, is the fascinating recreation and often the passion of many 
prosperous men, thus stamping them with worth and refinement. The developing of ideals in garden effects, the growing 
of varied plants, trees and shrubs from many countries, the play of judgment and experience in their selection, combination 
and application to the limitless variety of artistic possibilities, form one of the most pleasurable of occupations, rich in 
resulting beauty, happiness and healthfulness. 
The great interest manifested in gardening pursuits for ages has invited the publication of an endless amount of litera- 
ture on this and allied topics. This store of outdoor lore, both ancient and modern, is perhaps more voluminous than that 
of any other material subject. The theme is covered from every point, including fluent dissertations by the devotees of certain 
schools, in which are formulated the canons of strict propriety in garden embellishment, and a condemnation of other methods not 
in accord with the fancies or training of the authors ; but we believe that broadened, traveled people appreciate the beauties 
of many styles of gardens, whether they possess the strength and breadth of the "Natural,” Landscape and "Picturesque,” or 
the fine execution and delicate finish of the formal Italian, French and Architectural. All of them, when in harmony with 
their situations, possess their own particular attractions. To our mind, there should be no set "style” followed in adorning 
gardens and lawns. Every house and its surroundings should invite its own plan, which gives the estate added charms of 
originality, variety and character. The dominant object of ornamental gardening is to enhance home surroundings, and this 
object is attractively accomplished by composing into a pleasing picture on the lawn, trees, shrubs, flowering and decorative 
plants with accessories, — therefore the designer should shape his thought to some original ideal thoroughly befitting the situation; 
and regardless of fleeting fashion, taste should be used in arranging the living elements of the picture and unifying them with 
the objective, as an artist brings forth his work on the canvas with\^brush and colors. There are underlying principles to be 
followed in both cases to insure artistic results, but it is not our intention to enter into exhaustive precepts in this book, 
having devoted most of the space to illustrations which show such a variety of garden scenes, with examples of various com- 
binations of plants, shrubs, trees and garden -like adornments, that we trust some will create fruitful suggestions adaptable to 
the environments of many homes both pretentious and modest. 
New York, May 25, igoi 
CHARLES HENDERSON 
