Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-02-04
THIS AND THAT
BY CHARLES z. TRACEWELL.

Those who live in glass houses, as
we'll as those who dwell in brick, stone,
stucco and frame houses, ought to be
interested in foundation planting.
The art and science OF identifying
by means OF plants the immediate
frontage Of the house. and. when OPP
portunity serves, It's sides and rear as
we'll, Is explai in Foundation Plant
ing" by Leonard H. Johnson, published
just before Christmas by the A. r. De
La Mare Co. New York.
The publishers felt THE need Of, and
tn: demand for, a simple. practical.
graphic text book dealing with that ex-
terror decoration Of flowers. shrubs or
cver2reenS which. planted In front Of
and around house completes the pic
owner the full satisfaction OF we'll
balanced work of art"
I may be stated that Mr.. Johnson S
book adequately meets the expecta-
ton of home owners in regard to a
volume which will help them give their
home this good bit Of exterior deco
ration"
The custom of planting shrubs in
front Of houses has grown in recent
years, due to the widespread interest in
landscape gardening. This latter term.
however, is too inclusive for the aver
age home owner
He is more concerned with his own
property than with the general lay
out" OF the landscape at large, over
which he has little. II any. jurisdic-
ton. Especially in the city and the
suburb the home owner finds that about
all he can do is to take care of his own
property.
Real estate operators. in many in
stances, have made practice of plant
ing the foundations of the new homes
they have erected. but purchasers often
will find that bettcrments seem de-
manded.
1t is to meet exactly the need of
these home owners, as we'll as the thou.
sands who already own their homes,
that Foundation Planting has been
issued.
This handsomely illustrated volume
might we'll be called a picture book
for grown-ups. Its 235 large pages are
filled mostly with photographs OF ac-
tual homes. mostly web planted. but in
some instance showing faulty planting.
The author explains that these
photographs do not show his own work,
but are simply collection which he
made while travelling in all parts OF
the United States. The prime pur-
pose OF this book" he declares, rs ia
offer to the average home owner in
both city and country some helpful
suggestions as to the adaptability. Sc
lection. arrangement and care Of orna-
mental plant materials suitable for use,
looking TO the outdoor home adorn-
ment"
Those last three words constitute a
fine phrase, one which ought to be held
in mind by every home owner. whether
OF large or small house. whether in a
city row or in suburban area.
Outdoor home adjournment" Is as
much a necessity, II one is to get the
greatest satisfaction from home owner
ship, as is interior decoration. Just as
the householder must adapt the formal
decoration of the interior to his own
needs. and ought not TO allow himself
to be bound down by too slavish ad-
herence 10 rules, so he must first get
the idea that the adornment OF the
immediate surroundings OF his home is
necessary, and then he should feel that
man who has made this his life work
is able to give him real suggestions.
This Is exactly what this new book
offers the reader He will discover
that there is not so much mystery as
common sense in foundation planting