The boundary of the lot can generally be planted with a 
mass of Evergreens or shrubs to serve both as a screen from 
the adjoining property and as a background for beds of 
perennials, annuals or roses. Any feature such as a garden 
house, or a bench, or lawn seat will generally look best 
when set at the greatest distance from the house. Anyone 
who sits in the garden house or on the bench will then have 
a view of the entire area. 
No one can explain the certain livable touch which in- 
vades some outdoor living rooms and is lacking in others. 
This is a matter of harmony in arrangement and choice of 
materials. We fine the same condition in the interior of the 
house. Some rooms which may be elegantly furnished, are 
cold and uninviting. On the other hand, another room 
which may be furnished at very modest cost is appealing 
to us and has a certain atmosphere which we can sense but 
cannot always explain or understand. We are aware of the 
pleasing effect of the whole but may not easily determine 
exactly why the room appeals to us. 
Every family has different demands on the outdoor liv- 
ing room, depending upon the family, their routine of 
living, and their taste. 
The various illustrations which are shown in these pages 
contain the suggestions for the essential features of the out- 
door living room. They vary in their design from the for- 
mal and naturalistic treatment, offering suggestions for 
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almost any type of design to suit the location and the taste 
of the planter. 
In making your plan, prepare it in such a way that there 
are inviting nooks, seats, walks, benches, shelters, arches, 
gates, fountains, sun dials, bird baths, stepping stones, and 
all such garden accessories. 
Another advantage of making a plan is to work towards 
a definite arrangement over a period of years. It is not 
necessary, when you have a plan, to carry out the entire 
plan at any one time; it may take several seasons, but you 
will know that when you have finished you have a well 
planned and arranged garden. This planned arrangement 
will be in sharp contrast to the type of planting which pro- 
ceeds with poorly thought out features added at intervals, 
perhaps without proper consideration. 
Evergreens have a very definite place in an outdoor liv- 
ingroom. Where plantings are composed entirely of shrubs 
and flowers the outdoor living room is barren and uninter- 
esting except during the summer. When Evergreens form 
the background of the grounds, they are on duty at all 
seasons. They are attractive in summer, and even in the 
winter when covered with snow, they can never fail to be a 
source of interest. 









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One delightful feature of the outdoor living room, which is easily provided, 
and which will prove a source of pleasure, is the home picnic ground. 
There is much pleasure to be derived from lunches eaten in the open in 
your own grounds. In place of the table and umbrella shown in this sketch 
a home constructed table with seats attached will accommodate a large 
group. Flagstone makes an ideal ground covering for this sort of a feature, 
where itis frequently used, especially if itis rather shady, where grass does 
not make luxuriant growth. Evergreens naturally have a partin the de- 
velopment of this feature of the outdoor living room. Trees which are used 
in the background in this planting might be any variety of trees in group 
“B’ with others of groups “D,” “E” and “F” used in the foreground. The list 
which designates these groups of Evergreens is shown on page 34. 
We must not overlook the children in planning our outdoor living rooms. 
Play grounds do not necessarily need to detract in any way from the beauty 
of the grounds. A small area such as this occupies but small space, but 
provides contentment for children. There is also the added security that 
comes from knowing that children are at play in complete safety. Asa 
background for a feature of this kind Evergreens are useful. Select trees of 
groups “A” and “B” for the taller specimens. 
In connection with your outdoor living room nothing adds interestlike a pool 
and a display of dwarf Evergreens. Here is where you can indulge your 
desire for many of the choice and unusual Evergreens of various colors. 
Such gardens are a source of never fats interest to your family and your 
Tiends. 

