Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-10-29
SAYS CITY FAV0RS
BLOOMS TO GREENS
Sheriff. Explains Policy of
Decorating Parks Here
to Fine Arts Body.

People of Washington are more in
terested in having flowers in the parks
and circles of the city than they are
in green foliage and turf, Lieut. Col
Clarence O. Sheriff., director of
public buildings and public parks OF
the National Capital, said today. lie
was speaking on a suggestion of the
Commission OF Fine Arts, that the
circles and parks he given treatment
similar to that on Scott Circle where
there is a border Of ivy backed by
a low hedge OF box with the remain
der in turf.
The matter of treating all the parks
and circles in this manner. Col. Sher
rill said, furnishes many difficult prob
lens. The first and most important
Is the lack OF money, he added, point
ing out that the treatment given Scott
Circle is much more expensive than
the method used In other parts Of the
city where flowers are used. The pub
lie buildings and parks Office has no
funds with which to go out and start
treatment of all the parking places
in this manner. However. he said the
suggestion was a fine one.
Roses Are Being Used.
The employees OF his office. he said
the decoration Of the parks. and these
are of a hardy variety which bloom
the wear round. This takes care of the
criticism that the flowers are only on
view for about Il month. while the
rest of the year the beds show only
bare spots.
The buildings and parks office Is do
ing everything possible he said. to CO.
operate with the Commission on Fine
nj
in carrying out their suggestions so
far as it is possible. but he pointed out
that his office was also anxious to
please the people of the city. who seem
to demand flowers in the parks
A letter from Charles Moore. score
tary OF the Fine Arts Commission. to
Col. Sheriff. outlines the Fine Arts
Commissions stand. as follows:
Your letter of October ! incIosing a
copy OF communicate ton from Mr.
Starr Parsons, president of the
with reference TO planting flowers in
Thomas Circle. received the attention
OF the Commission of Fine Arts on
their meeting on October 8, 1925
Several years ago the office of
pnblic buildings and grounds planted
Scott Circle with a border of ivy
backed by low hedge of box The
remainder of the circle was left in
turf. The triangle facing the circle
received like treatment. This has
seemed to the Commission of Fine
Arts the most satisfactory treatment
that has been devised and the COM
mission has urged, and now urges.
that this style be followed throughout
the city
Washington is essentially a Win
ter city and II should be dressed &C
cordingly. AS one passes up and
down the streets the eve should be
greeted by the green of plants and
trees. The magnolia, the ivy, the
cedar ana other trees and plants that
keep their color throughout the year
should be used at focal points and as
the frame work of vistas.
Flowers Are Important.
Flowers have an important place
in the adornment of city. For eff.
fecttSeneSs they should he massed.
COLOR and form should be considered:
the changes of. season should be ac-
commodated. Little flower beds in
circles have month or so of color.
During the Winter they present
bare spots that suggest neglect and
lack Of understanding
The representatives of the Garden
tiup III AHleiica ola n real service &c
the community in calling attention 10
the treatment OF the circles in Wash
lnston and suggesting that these
places he treated with sobriety, dignity
and effectiveness.
Thomas Circle seems the last pla &c
for the use Of flowers. II is scene
NJ confusion caused by the heavy traf
fiC. 1t is SURROUNDED by car tracks A
band OF deep green would tend to quiet
and restfulness.
The commission would call atten
ton to the trees in the circle. They
need the pruning and care called for
by the peculiar requirement of the
family to which they belong"
The letter was sent by Mr.. Moore
by order OF the commission.