Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1922-04-13
BEAUTIFYING HOME
AND COMMUNITY

Extracts from an Article by Iris
Davenport from Bowdon Bulletin.
Miss Davenport is a graduate OF
Fifth Class of 1915, also of Milledge-
vile and Georgia University.
Few people realize either the eco
nomical or aesthetic value of we'll
planned and planted grounds. Well
planted grounds will not only increase
the value of the property from a fl
nanclal standpoint, but will add mater
'a.ly to the enjoyment ana pleasure of
the family. mo man liveth unto him
self" From an attractive Inspiration
hope, cheer and comfort raidate to
guide and keep those who enjoy its
life daily.
Great stress has been laid upon ex-
pressing ones personality in ones sur-
roundings. If, with sincerity, we en-
deavor to make our surroundings as
beautiful as in us lie, as homelike, IS
consistent with our needs. we shall in
the end find we have expressed our
selves according to true art.
Trees, shrubs and plants are a nee
essity about every home if it is to be
comfortable. Contrast prairie home
without trees, shrubs, etc, with a SIM
liar home with beautiful lawn, shrubs,
trees, and vines established and a gar
den provided.
The early pioneer on the prairie or
in the forest had an excuse for not
planting or adjoining his home grounds
He had to provide the necessities of
life and lay foundation for a perma-
nent home. That stage has passed and
our attention may now be given to
making our homes more attractive and
comfortable.
Some suggestions for planting:
Choose each tree or shrub for a
special purpose, either to screen or
frame a view, for its beauty of foliage
flower or fruit.
2 A good lawn is of prime import
ance and should precede the planting
of shrubs and flowers. Bermuda grass
or clover makes a beautiful yet quite
inexpensive lawn.
3 Then keep the lawn and yards we'll
Do not throw refuse on a vacant lot
adjoining yours, neither rake it out
into the street and leave it, to be
DlOWH ny dill IOuI
Hide Objectionable building or paris
of building and fences either with
hedge or vines. Clipped hedge as a
rule require a good bit of labor to
keep. 1t is better to use one that
does not require clipping as spirea,
bridal wreath or barberry Vines make
quite an effective screen. The climb
ing rose, rambler, honeysuckle. ivy or
grape lend themselves favorably for
this.
S Never scatter the shrubs, but mass
or group them at the sides of the lawn
or near the house. Make the plant
ing setting or frame for the house.
g Keep the lawns open it is much
easier to NOW and looks larger than
when flowers are scattered over the
lawn.
7 Make the buildings seem a part
of the landscape by planting a few
shrubs or flowers at the corner and
about the porch. to conceal the more
or less rough foundation and tie or
1T the building to its surroundings.
Flowers such as cannas, saliva. or
geraniunS are good and the zinnia-
old maid our grandmother called it
with its multitude of colors, its old
fashioned stiffness and its lasting quail
tiles make it a delight
Plant perennials rather than an
nuals as they need but little care. An
nuals are seldom desirable on lawns
because of their short season of beau
ty, but may be grown in garden for
cut flowers. The peony. iris. phlox
Shasta daisy, larkspur and hollyhocks
are favorite perennials.
Little things that make the exterior
of the home more attractive:
] Straighten up chimneys.
2 Clean roofs off, loose shingles, etc.
3 Replace broken panes in doors and
windows.
a If some shutters are off and cannot
be replaced take all off.
S Windows are the eyes of the house
Clean them up. choose and hang the
curtains considering the exterior as
we'll as the interior.
In the South we spend good bit
of our time on our porches. Why not
make them attractive? Porch boxes.
chairs and swing cover make porch
more attractive, inviting and homelike
Part the community may play,
] The merchants take care to burn
all boxes. Grating paper, etc, or care
fullv store it away.
2 Keep streets and alleys free from
paper and trash Do everything to de-
strov places where flies may breed.
3 Refrain from splitting on sidewalks
or throwing Feelings. paper. etc. upon
them. Not onlv dangerous and insight
" but unsanitary.
4 Pretty roadways and streets add
much to a community. am sure you
have heard the bows who went across
tell of the beautiful lanes and drive
ways in France, thanked on either side
with trees, beautiful, or foliage, flow