The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1900-06-28
ORNAMENTAL LAWNS.
WELL KEPT GROUNDS HAVE A CON-
M3=RClAL VALUE.

tifu1.
In no way can a place be made more
attractive in appearance or be enhanc-
ed more in value than by the expendi-
ture of a little time (not always money!
in endeavoring to beautify it by TAX
ing advantage Of nature, says G. w.
Strand of the Minnesota Forestry asso~
citation.
Each individual can accomplish this
at a much less expense and with a
greater amount of satisfaction to him
self than if left to any village council,
however careful it may be.
Tastes differ. No two of us are alike.
But by going at it with little interest
in the work and possibly a good sug-
gestion from some older or more en-
thusiastic head you will count it
pleasure every time you have occasion
to look upon the effect Of the effort put
forth. If thing is worth doing, it is
worth doing well, and hence before
starting in a haphaz4rd manner study
the question a little. What trees, vines,
shrubs, etc., will do best here or there,
and also give the most pleasing results?
Figure on room enough, for they will
be large some day. There are Few
places that cannot be touched up some
and many that will stand considerable,
and now is the time to plan on 1T.
improvements of this nature have a
great deal to do with the prosperity CT
any place. The value of surrounding
trees. etc., affects not only their local
position and neighDorhood, but all VINO
come in contact with their influence;
hence we might say they are public
property or should be regarded as such.
Shall it not be said Of your city,
'sWhat a pretty placer 1t lies within
your power to make it such. 1t each
will but lift a little on the wheel, 1T
will speed along rapidly toward that
destination.
You cannot begin too soon to plan on
decorating your home grounds. Try 1t
and see if this does not Increase the
interest in your home, in your neigh
boris home, In your village, in the well
fare of the community in general. Hav-
ing that spirit at heart, success cannot
but favor your efforts, for Sin unity
there is strength"
Did you ever pass by place and re
mark or hear strangers speak about
the beauties of a certain vicinity! The
travelling public particularly and all
persons in general when brought into
such a position prove the truth that
there are few who do not appreciate
the beauties of nature in their sur
roundings.
To a great extent we measure the
prosperity and height of civilization OF
a country or community by the homes
of it's people.
Although means may do much to-
ward identifying place, it is lack OF
something else that leaves 1T barren
and uninviting.
1t is a general failing among the ma
jority Of people to fall into rut and
not make any great effort to get out
or even seriously think that there are
better or higher things to strive for.
In rural districts, next after obtaining
an existence, the home receives the at
tention, and, following closely or
directly with this, comes the above
problem.
Experience is the best teacher, but
we can learn much of value, if we
choose, by observation and from that
of others.
After planting the wind break or
grove, as we near the inner side, come
the opportunities for more judgment
in arrangement and 1Ste and then in
the decorating of interior grounds.
The endeavor on this hand is to break
up that harsh or set appearance by
using smaller and more graceful spe-
cies, for as the grove grows taller they
hide the bare trunks of the tree, make
it more impenetrable and also liven up
the landscape. Such trees and shrubs
as white birch, golden willow, wild
plum, buffalo berry, high bush cranber-
ry, choke cherry, etc., will all work in
to advantage here.
They should be planted quite thickly
and some one of the varieties predomi-
mating in each place, not using too
many different varieties in place.
Closer to the buildings we can use
those Towering shrubs such as llacs,
hydrangeas, spireas, barberries, snow
balls and many other such hardy spe-
cies.
Clumps should be made of these, also
using the taller growing ones in the
center where height is not objectiora-
bic.
Massed in this manner, first one and
then another will burst into bloom
throughout the season. They will show
off to greater advantage and are also
more easily cared for.
Irregular planting about the grounds,
leaving a broad, open lawn where pos
sible, will add much to the identifying
of the place.
A hardy vine may also be used here
and there to cover an unsightly trunk
of tree or other object 1t may also
be trained to cover a portion of the
house or porch with it's graceful foil