The Washington times., 1914-05-13

By MRS. CHARLTON M. CLARK.
Having had practical experience
in my own back yard. l really feel
that 1 can give some advice about
the possibilities of gardening I'D
average city back yard. when well
planned and intsnsively cultivated
In my back yard. which Is twenty
feet by 100 feet, there is a grass
lawn sufficiently large for garden
parties, besides pear tree. an
apricot tree. shrubs, grape vines,
100 rose bushes. and. most import
ant of all. a vegetable garden. In
which practically all the various
vegetables are grown in profusicn.
About the only vegetables which I
ever have to buy are potatoes.
l attribute the beauty and sue
cess Of my garden and that of my
neighbors, to a great extent, to the
low type Of picket fence that pre-
walls in Park View. These low
fences let in the sunshine and fresh
air which stimulate plant life. They
look attractive and are sani-
tary for dirt and trash cannot be
hidden behind them with out being
observed by the passer-hy. i be-
lieve that the elimination of the
high board fences would prevent
the accumulation of trash and dirt.
thereby converting the yards that
have been enclosed by this old type
Of fence from breeding places of
disease to beautiful and useful
gardens.
The Clean City Committee having
successfully cleaned up Washing
ton will. it is believed. shortly be-
gin a campaign against the high
board fence
have endeayored to keep in touch
with what Is being done for civic up
lift in other cities. and am especially
interested In the Milwaukee plan
for the use or vacant city lots as
public gardens. Also In the city
commission in Chicago, where the
city government, with the consent of
the pT operty owners. had the vacant
lots plowed up. They were then
turned over to a committee, which
apportioned them among those who
wished to work these lots. Many
people in cities find IL difficult to get
plowing done, even though they have
the space of ground for 4 garden.
The citizens were permitted under
certain restrictions to grow flowers
or vegetables on such lots, thereby
beautifying the neighborhood and
lowering the cost of living.
The application of this idea to
Washington is perfectly feasible, pro-
rided the cooperation Of the real
estate interests of this city can be
and unsightly lots could be culti-
waited they would be transformed
into beautiful gardens. Tne clearing
away of weeds in such lots would be
welcomed by hay fever sufferers,
who are not able to leave the city
for weedlesS resorts. II also would
help to abate the fly and mosquito
breeding places for these DANGEROUS
pests.
l am also an advocate for the in
stallation Of wading pools for chill
dren In school grounds and parks
Western cities have found such pools
salutary, and while gratifying a
natural childish craving, they are in
no way harmful.
Another good idea that came from
the West Is the use of public schools
as social centers. In 1912. as presi-
dent Of the Woman's Auxiliary Of
the Park View Citizens Association,
/ urged that association 10 launch
a campaign OF publicity in aid of
this movement. The first effort to
obtain the approval Of Congress for
this measure met with failure. We
gave the cause its greatest impetus
and assured its success by interest