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 We Making 
 of a Country Estate 
 
 PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS AND 
 PROFESSIONAL ADVICE 
 
 For Planning and Planting of the Gardens 
 
 and Development of the Landscape 
 
 Features for Country Homes 
 
 and Estates 
 
 By HENRY WILD 
 
 Landscape Architect 
 
 Greenwich, Connecticut 
 
 413 Madison Avenue, New York 
 

 COPYRIGHT 1913 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY WILD 
 
 DESIGNED, ENGRAVED AND PRINTED BY 
 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY 
 
 s 
 
BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION 
 
 ^^^^O one who has lived close to mother earth for many years, devoting his 
 1 ) life to the study, companionship and cultivation of Nature's bounty, the 
 ^^^ planning and planting of gardens and fields seems the only life-work 
 worth while. To be compelled to live in the most palatial city surroundings day 
 in and day out, year in and year out, would seem, to the professional gardener, a 
 form of imprisonment for life, for which none of the rewards of success could 
 fully compensate. 
 
 The rescue of the " old homestead " has been the dream of many a prosperous 
 city exile, and to many a man the old farm where he was "brought up" still 
 beckons as a possible haven for his declining years. 
 
 The man of affairs, who, as a boy, once wandered at will in the country, still 
 dreams, amidst the attractions and distractions of city life, of the open fields, of 
 the gardens and orchards which once smiled their welcome, and plans to own some 
 day a country home or estate as the crowning of a busy and successful career. 
 
 Fortunately, an attractive country estate is no longer looked upon as a place 
 demanding a lavish outlay — a source of increasing expense to maintain — and every 
 year shows an increasing number of beautiful country homes in process of 
 development. 
 
 Thanks to the progress made in intensive agriculture and scientific garden 
 and orchard cultivation, the transformation of deserted or semi-deserted farms, 
 wooded hillsides and idle streams into scenes of beauty and productiveness has 
 been made practical and possible, even to families of moderate wealth. 
 
 The purpose of this book is to suggest, in a general and necessarily sketchy 
 way, some practical methods of developing country estates — methods which have 
 been applied by me in my rather extensive experience as a gardener and landscape 
 architect. 
 
 My personal services are open to owners or prospective owners of country 
 homes, both in the preliminary planning and in the working out of the details that 
 go to the making of a harmonious and rational composition, suited to the natural 
 features and conditions of the site, as well as to the preferences of the owner. 
 
 There are many conditions which need more careful consideration than is 
 apparent to the layman. Only professional skill and experience should be relied 
 
upon in planning with a view to obtaining the best results, from both the artistic 
 and productive points of view — and the proper correlation of the whole. 
 
 It is not enough to know how properly to care for such an estate, or to rely 
 on theoretical ideas or advice. The imperative need, at the outset, is for trained 
 skill and wide experience in the study and planning of the scheme as a whole, with 
 a definite purpose in view, after which the carrying out of well-devised plans can 
 be intrusted to a competent gardener. It is in these initial stages, and for general 
 guidance in the development and care of such estates, that my experience as con- 
 sulting or supervising gardener and landscape architect can be turned into prac- 
 tical value. 
 
 I have a strong sympathy with the tendency toward greater simplicity, indi- 
 viduality and economic productiveness in the development of country estates. 
 A country home should be a " home " in the true sense. It should express, in its 
 comfort, in its wide vistas, and in its absence of artificiality, the broad and tolerant 
 spirit of American life. 
 
 In this connection it is interesting to note an outline of this spirit and purpose 
 briefly and tersely explained in a recent number of a leading exponent of the modern 
 " back-to-the-land " movement: 
 
 To make America one great garden, as Europe is. 
 
 To create an American style of gardening, instead of copying Europe literally. 
 
 To have American plants dominant in every landscape, instead of foreign ones. 
 
 To use permanent materials everywhere, instead of temporary ones. 
 
 To propagate all kinds of plants here, instead of wasting millions on evergreens, etc., 
 propagated in the incompatible climate of Europe. 
 
 To develop a passion for privacy and art and kill our passion for show. 
 
 To redeem the northern winter from bleakness and ugliness and create a new type of 
 winter comfort and beauty. 
 
 To refer briefly to my experience and my qualifications, and to make clear 
 the purpose of this announcement, I will state that I am an Englishman by birth. 
 
 Previous to coming to America, twenty years ago, I was employed for five 
 years on the Blenheim estate of the Duke of Marlborough, and later served three 
 years with a leading London firm of florists and decorators. 
 
 My first experience in this country was with the gardens and grounds of 
 Mrs. John L. Gardiner of Brookline, Mass., where I remained for four years, and 
 then became head gardener of the neighboring estate of Mrs. A. W. Blake of 
 Brookline. 
 
When Mr. E. C. Converse began the making of the now famous Conyers Manor 
 estate of about two thousand acres, in Greenwich, Conn., I was given the supervision 
 of all the landscape work, the gardening and the general charge of the whole work 
 of developing the plans of the private part of this magnificent country place. 
 
 In this responsible position I remained eight years, and the results of my 
 supervision are the best evidence of my fitness and faithfulness in the task under- 
 taken, and in which I feel a pardonable pride and satisfaction. 
 
 With that work accomplished, I decided to devote myself to the general 
 duties of landscape and garden supervision of other estates, so rapidly multiplying 
 in the East, rather than to be permanently connected with any one estate. 
 
 Therefore, I am now prepared and at liberty to undertake, on the professional 
 fee basis, the personal supervision of gardening and landscape work, to give prac- 
 tical advice and information along all the lines of artistic and productive develop- 
 ment, and to see to the proper keeping up of the grounds, wherever my services 
 are required. 
 
 Where gardens are already laid out, but changes and improvements are 
 desired, I will undertake the needed alterations in planning and planting, to suit 
 the wishes of the owner, by thorough and economical methods. 
 
 I can also agree to furnish competent gardeners to carry on the work intelli- 
 gently, and will be glad to visit personally, upon request, small as well as large 
 estates, in an advisory capacity. 
 
 In the planning and construction of greenhouses to serve the purpose intended 
 to the best advantage, I offer my experience and services in directing the work 
 from a practical standpoint. 
 
 This, to insure that they need not be run at a loss, as is usually the case, but 
 to contribute a saving or profit to the estate, not however in the sense of " profit " 
 as a financial or commercial experiment. 
 
 In the following pages I have endeavored to outline a few practical suggestions, 
 as the result of my long and varied experience in the several branches of the pro- 
 fession, and will welcome inquiries, interviews or correspondence upon the subject 
 from present or prospective owners of country estates or homes. 
 
 City Address : 
 
 413 Madison Avenue, New York 
 
 twith a. t. Bunyard, Florist) L/ Greenwich, Conn. 
 
 ■-&&& 
 
" Where the path winds " 
 
 FOXGLOVES NOD A GREETING TO THE NATURE LOVER, WHILE THE MODEST 
 ENGLISH PRIMROSE PEEPS THROUGH ITS BED OF LEAVES, FOR AS THE PATH 
 WINDS NEW WONDERS OF NATURE UNFOLD IN UNENDING SUCCESSION 
 
 The Making of a Country Estate 
 
 OURING my professional experience in America, as head- gardener and 
 landscape architect, for the past sixteen years, a remarkable growth of 
 sane sentiment toward country living has found expression in many 
 different phases of the "back-to-the-land" movement. 
 
 The traditional English country estate has been a family heritage for genera- 
 tions, while in the United States the notable country estates are of recent origin— 
 those of comparatively few pioneers dating back hardly more than a decade or two. 
 
 The rapid increase during the past ten years in the number of more or less 
 elaborate summer homes, set in rural surroundings, and attractive country estates 
 of extensive and diversified holdings, shows no sign of abatement, and though the 
 
"Far from the haunts of men " 
 
 A GLADE IN THE WOODS, THE NATURAL GROWTH OF MAPLES, OAKS, ETC., FRONTED WITH 
 MOUNTAIN LAUREL, RHODODENDRONS AND HEMLOCK. NATIVE LILIES THRIVE AMONG 
 THESE AND PROLONG THE SEASON OF FLOWERS. THE COLOR EFFECT IN FALL IS GLORIOUS 
 
 movement is in its infancy, there has been distinct progress toward a more rational 
 and less pretentious style of American gardening and landscape architecture. 
 
 The Italian ideas and models, so lavishly imitated by the earlier modern 
 estates, are being superseded by more truly American types in both the archi- 
 tectural and landscape features. The uniting of the charms of a rural home, with 
 a proper regard for making the property productive as well as beautiful, and 
 within reasonable limits of outlay, is to a large extent supplanting the " regard- 
 less-of-expense " idea of the more pretentious examples scattered throughout the 
 eastern and middle states. 
 
 The tendency is strongly in favor of preserving and restoring the natural 
 features of American landscape beauty, the creating of a more distinctly char- 
 acteristic style of gardening, instead of literally copying Europe, and to give our 
 
 10 
 
First glimpse ot the lake " 
 
 THIS WAS FORMERLY A SWAMP AND BREEDING PLACE FOR MOSQUITOES. IT IS NOW CON 
 VERTED INTO A THING OF BEAUTY. HARDY WATER LILIES ARE SHOWN IN FOREGROUND. 
 WHILE JAPANESE IRIS, ELDERBERRY AND SPIREAS MEET AT THE WATERS EDGE 
 
 native plants and flowers more prominence in the laying out of the scheme for a 
 country estate, or for a more modest rural home. 
 
 Another hopeful and significant feature is that men of wealth, weary of the 
 city, are learning that the owning and developing of a home in the country can 
 be made something more than a dream. 
 
 They are also learning to waste less and to give more thought and attention 
 to the things that satisfy, instead of the purely artificial adornments, within or 
 without, in planning these havens of restful companionship with nature for their 
 declining years. 
 
 There is no lack of desirable farm-land, idle pasturage, and wooded hillsides, 
 waiting development as admirable sites for country estates, and many with great 
 possibilities unthought-of by their present owners. 
 
 in] 
 
" Sunlight and shade " 
 
 ROCK GARDEN IN PARTIAL SHADE. RUSTIC BRIDGE FROM WHICH ONE LOOKS 
 ON TO THE JAPANESE IRIS AND FORGET-ME-NOTS NATIVE PLANTS SUCH 
 AS LADY'S-SLIPPERS, COLUMBINES AND FERNS FLOURISH IN A SPOT LIKE THIS 
 
 The good-roads movement, the suburban trolley line, the distance-annihilating 
 automobiles, have brought the back-country districts nearer the city, and yet 
 remote enough to retain the picturesque charm of privacy and comfort. 
 
 As no two conditions are alike, the work of development depends largely on 
 the lay of the land. 
 
 By the application of business efficiency and modern methods, aided by the 
 trained gardener and landscape architect, these barren places can be made to 
 "blossom like the rose" and to "bear fruit an hundred-fold," yielding both 
 comfort, health and income. 
 
 The comparatively low cost of land in America, with the certainty of con- 
 stantly increasing value, should be strong incentives to the building of a country 
 home. A well-planned estate — large or small — is an investment as well as a pleasure. 
 
 [12] 
 
Where Iruit and flow* 
 
 a/.- 
 
 PATH IN TRAINED-FRUIT GARDEN. PEONY AND BULB BORDER IN FRONT OF 
 ESPALIER PEAR TREES, TRAINED ON WIRE TRELLIS. GRAPE ARBOR AT END 
 OF PATH. APPLES, PLUMS. CHERRIES AND PEARS ARE GROWN ON DWARF STOCK 
 
 The Garden Made Over to Suit Surroundings 
 
 x 
 
 T sometimes happens that the owner of an estate on which there is an old 
 flower-garden would like to have it changed to suit modern ideas. Possibly 
 a background is lacking, or the setting is not in keeping with the garden. 
 
 In such cases the transplanting of a few large trees in winter with the additional 
 planting of evergreens and large shrubs in spring or early fall will create a 
 transformation. The using of flowering shrubs and evergreens in the perennial 
 or old-fashioned garden lengthens the flowering season, besides serving as a 
 background and means of protection during storms and high winds. The spireas, 
 wigelas, lilacs, altheas, etc., are both useful and ornamental in this respect, and 
 when the flowering season is over form a pleasant contrast to the wealth of flowers 
 
 [13] 
 
The grass path inviting you to Follow " 
 
 A STUDY IN NATURAL PLANTING. THE GIANT MALLOWS, 
 JAPANESE IRIS AND ASTILBES REVEL IN THE MOIST PLACES. 
 WHERE MANY OTHER FORMS OF PLANT LIFE WOULD PERISH 
 
 in the borders. Delphiniums, lilies, phlox, hollyhocks, all have an added charm 
 and are seen to better advantage with a background of green. 
 
 Planted in masses instead of patches all over the garden, they are doubly effec- 
 tive. In many cases combinations of plantings, with forethought as to color scheme 
 and season of flowering, will aid greatly in making the garden what it should be. 
 
 On a number of estates there are gardeners well able to take care of a garden 
 when once properly started, but unable to plan or give the desired results. 
 
 A few visits from a reliable landscape architect who has made a study of the 
 subject is all that will be required. The work of preparation is done by the gar- 
 dening staff, and the planting under the direction of the landscape expert, who 
 could explain the reasons for planting the various things in their proper places, 
 enabling the gardener to work more intelligently and giving him an added interest 
 
 [14] 
 

 
 " Gather ye rosebuds while ye may " 
 
 THE ROSE GARDENS, IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE RESIDENCE, SCREENED 
 BY A HEDGE OR ROSA RUGOSA, PINK AND WHITE, ALLOWED TO GROW INFOR 
 M ALLY. A WEALTH OF BLOOM IN SUMMER, BRIGHT WITH SEED PODS IN WINTER 
 
 in his work. This has been found to prove satisfactory in many cases, and the 
 ultimate care of the estate and garden has been assured. 
 
 The same applies in the transplanting of large trees, making of rose gardens, 
 or any other kind of new work on an estate. Once properly started, the final results 
 are largely dependent on the gardener, who, when made familiar with the work 
 on hand, is in a position to help intelligently in making the garden a success. 
 
 A home-owner need not have a square mile of ground to enable the landscape 
 architect to produce good results. Successful and attractive gardens and grounds 
 have been developed around country and suburban homes consisting of a few acres. 
 
 The secret of success in this profession is found in the maturity of judgment 
 that comes from long experience. The experienced man can often develop an 
 effective plan in a few hours by reason of his experience in similar cases. 
 
 [15] 
 
■yv.j 
 
 Come and rest awhile 
 
 THE TEA HOUSE IN ONE OF THE PERENNIAL GARDENS. THE SECRET AND CHARM OF 
 THE OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN LIE IN ITS SETTING OF PRIVACY. FOXGLOVES, SWEET 
 WILLIAMS, HOLLYHOCKS, ETC., VIE WITH EACH OTHER, CLAIMING YOUR ATTENTION 
 
 Perennial or Old-fashioned Gardens 
 
 CHIS class of flower-gardens, now becoming so popular on American coun- 
 try estates, has much to recommend them. As many families occupy 
 their country residences from early spring till late fall, they are one of 
 the most attractive features. When properly arranged and planted they give a 
 wealth of flowers for nearly eight months of the year. 
 
 Embracing, as they do, the old-fashioned flowers of European gardens com- 
 bined with native varieties, they are a never-ending source of pleasure, utility, 
 and floral education. 
 
 During the last few years many varieties have been added to this class of 
 flowers that will withstand the most severe climatic conditions, thereby eliminating 
 
 [16] 
 
The sluice gate veiled with hanging' verdure " 
 
 FORSYTHIA SUSPENSA AND THE MATRIMONY VINE SHOW WHAT 
 CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH HANGING VINES WHEN PROPERLY 
 PLACED. THESE ARE PLANTED ON THE TOP OF THE ROCK WALL 
 
 loss and cost of maintenance. Who does not admire such old favorites as the 
 stately hollyhocks, larkspur, phlox, peonies, lilies, sweet Williams, Canterbury 
 bells, that breathe memories of childhood and mother's garden? 
 
 When designed and planted by one who loves the work and who thoroughly 
 understands the combination of harmony, arrangement and color scheme, they 
 are sure to become a source of abiding pleasure. 
 
 Given the proper background or setting, their beauty is greatly enhanced, 
 and it is to be regretted that often what should be a thing of beauty and a place to 
 rest — and linger in — proves to be a source of annoyance, owing to lack of intelligent 
 treatment. 
 
 The whole secret and charm of the old-fashioned or perennial garden is in 
 its proper surroundings and background. 
 
 [17] 
 
When shall their glory fade " 
 
 THE ROSE GARDEN APPEALS TO ALL. MANY VARIETIES FLOWER FROM JUNE 
 TO OCTOBER. WHEN A PROPER SELECTION IS MADE OF HYBRID PERPETUALS 
 AND TEAS. A CHARMING RANGE OF VARIETY AND COLORS CAN BE OBTAINED 
 
 The writer has made a special study of this form of garden; in fact, he has 
 frequently been consulted by fellow landscape architects. 
 
 The rose-garden, without which no estate is complete, can by right selection 
 of place and varieties be made a thing of beauty from May to October, instead of 
 being devoid of flowers, as in many cases with the passing of June. 
 
 Another part of the estate lends itself to the semi-wild. One of the finest 
 instances of this was noted where a house was built in a wood, the undergrowth 
 being removed to a certain extent, the more desirable trees selected to remain, 
 forming an object lesson in natural surroundings and a perfect study of light 
 and shade. 
 
 By a proper and judicious selection of annuals there need be no bare places 
 caused by the passing of the flowering season of the earlier varieties. 
 
 [18] 
 
Wondering, ere we crossed the bridge, what lay beyond " 
 
 STEP BRIDGE OVER INLET TO LAKE. VISTAS OF THE LAKE AND WOOD PLANTING ARE 
 SHOWN TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE FROM THIS NOVEL CONSTRUCTION. LOOSE 
 STRIPE AND CARDINAL FLOWERS ARE SHOWN GROWING AT THE WATER'S EDGE 
 
 This style of garden appeals to all who love nature, and is adaptable to some 
 part of every estate. The writer has made a special feature of this work, and during 
 the years in which he pursued his studies in Europe and America has not met a 
 visitor who failed to appreciate his skill and art. 
 
 One of the advantageous qualities of the old-fashioned, or perennial, garden 
 is that its cost of maintenance is small, compared to artificially planned gardens. 
 
 This style of garden fits with perfect harmony into the general scheme where 
 simple, quiet architecture is the keynote. 
 
 The old-fashioned garden has a delicate Old-World charm of its own. With its 
 harmony of color and its pleasant smell of flowers in bloom it is the ideal place to 
 read and dream. If one should grow a garden for a poet, could it be any other than 
 one filled with hollyhocks and sweet Williams, Canterbury bells and modest lilies ? 
 
 [19] 
 
Where the mallards mate in springtime " 
 
 FULL VIEW OF THE LAKE MADE BY THE MANOR'S STAFF. ALL THE PLANTING, FROM X TO 
 THE EXTREME RIGHT, IS ENTIRELY THE RESULT OF THE PAST SEVEN YEARS' GROWTH. 
 NOTE HOW IT BLENDS WITH AND LENGTHENS THE NATURAL WOOD GROWTH ON LEFT 
 
 Lake and Stream Planting 
 
 CO make a successful treatment of natural streams and lakes requires more 
 than the usual amount of study of the subject. After carefully going 
 over the surroundings and taking note of plants and trees thriving under 
 natural conditions, much needed and valuable information may be acquired. 
 
 In the moist places the beautiful Japanese iris are all at their best. This 
 variety lengthens the iris season, and, with one of the many moisture-loving plants 
 as an under-cover, they are made doubly effective. 
 
 Many of the narcissus family thrive under the same conditions, and when 
 planted under the late summer-flowering hibiscus or spireas, there is always some- 
 thing to claim the attention. 
 
 [20] 
 
A place where the laurel grows " 
 
 SHOWING THE BROKEN OUTLINE OF THE WATER'S EDGE, WITH NATURAL BACKGROUND 
 OF NATIVE TREES. MOUNTAIN LAUREL IN FOREGROUND. JAPANESE IRIS, NATIVE HOLLY, 
 CLETHRA AND FORGET-ME-NOTS MAKE A CHARMING FOREGROUND TO THE WOODS 
 
 Some of the many forms of willows, birch, elders and swamp maple trees 
 can be used to good advantage; on the dry hillsides, native cedars, hemlocks, moun- 
 tain laurel, etc., are at home, and used with the proper combination of deciduous 
 trees make the ideal treatment. 
 
 Water lilies, nelumbiums, or weeping willows, showing through vistas of 
 rhododendrons, form a picture to be admired. 
 
 I have had splendid opportunities to carry out this branch of work. The 
 lake planting on the estate of Mr. E. C. Converse is considered by many to be the 
 leading feature of the landscape work done there. 
 
 The addition of rustic bridges, when built to correspond with the surroundings, 
 adds a charm to the whole. Where there is a natural woodland on one or more sides 
 
 [21] 
 
A glimpse of Japan " 
 
 WATER LILIES GREET THE WEEPING WILLOW. JAPANESE BRIDGE NOW 
 COVERED WITH WISTARIA. TENDER AQUATICS CAN BE GROWN IN A SHEL- 
 TERED POOL LIKE THIS THE POPLAR AT THE RIGHT RELIEVES THE SKY LINE 
 
 of the lake or stream, one has the proper conditions for introducing rhododendrons, 
 azaleas, foxgloves, native lilies, the beautiful English primrose and lady 's-slippers ; 
 many things that cannot be used in formal gardens grow luxuriantly. 
 
 Ferns, aquilegias and many shade-loving plants lend themselves to the beauty 
 of rambling woodland paths, and when seen in the long shadows of a summer 
 evening leave a lasting impression, helping to create a love of nature and new 
 interest in our surroundings. 
 
 I feel sure that the many attractions of this branch of landscape, when better 
 understood, will appeal to all who are fortunate in having on their home grounds 
 a lake or stream. 
 
 A lake is so easy to make, where one has a stream, and is so attractive at all 
 seasons, with its sheen of water and its pleasant vistas, that every estate-owner 
 should certainly have one, wherever it is possible. 
 
 [22] 
 
* * 
 
 "With robes of blue, in nature's setting, green" 
 
 THE FAMOUS EVERGREEN ENTRANCE. SPECIMEN BLUE SPRUCE AND ABIES CONCOLOR 
 (SILVER FIR). A SPLENDID COMBINATION, HARDY AND BEAUTIFUL. EVERGREENS ARE 
 PLEASING THE YEAR THROUGH, LENDING A RICH YET SUBDUED TONE TO AN ESTATE 
 
 Evergreens 
 
 ^^^>>HERE are several classes of these beautiful trees upon which the land- 
 € J scape artist depends to a great extent to make the home grounds attrac- 
 ^^^ tive. Some of the choicest are the retinosporas and spruces. The colors 
 vary from green to variegated green and gold. 
 
 They make an ideal setting for a home, providing the proper selection is made. 
 The dwarf varieties varying from two to five feet can be used effectively under 
 windows, on terraces, banks and to front off groups of the tall growing trees. 
 
 Where a quick growth or immediate effect is desired, it can be procured in 
 a short time. For wind-breaks or screens they cannot be surpassed. Some are 
 very useful in this respect to shut out undesirable objects and also to protect 
 the less hardy and often more beautiful specimens. 
 
 [23] 
 
" Where nature reigns supreme " 
 
 SHOWING BRIDGE BUILT BY ITALIAN LABORERS IN WINTER TIME. THE ISLAND ON THE 
 RIGHT AFFORDS A NATURAL NESTING-PLACE FOR WATER-FOWL. MALLARDS. PINTAILS, 
 ETC., RAISE THEIR YOUNG UNDISTURBED HERE. BIRCH AND WILLOWS ON THE RIGHT 
 
 For avenue planting they are ideal. Their appearance being practically the 
 same all the year around, giving a rich yet quiet tone to the summer landscape, 
 and in winter adding a cheerful sight to the estate. A group of evergreens on a 
 bright, frosty morning, their branches veiled in snow, make one of nature's most 
 wonderful outdoor pictures. 
 
 To children they become a never-ending delight. The early birds flock to 
 them to build their nests, and places that have been almost devoid of birds are 
 turned into a veritable paradise for the feathered songsters in a few years. 
 
 For woodland and stream planting the hemlock, cedar and pines, used in 
 combination with native deciduous trees, make a decided change to the group 
 or formal effects. Another class of evergreens are the rhododendrons; the hardy 
 hybrids number amongst them some of the most gorgeous flowers. Planted with 
 a background of pines, etc., their beauty is shown to advantage. 
 
 [24 1 
 
j*r 
 
 " A graceful curve " 
 
 PART OF AVENUE PLANTING, SHOWING GROUP OF SPECIMEN EVERGREENS IN FORE- 
 GROUND BACKED BY SCHWEDLERI MAPLES AND COPPER BEECH. SHOWING THE WELL- 
 GRADED CURVE OF THE AVENUE AS IT WINDS ROUND THE HILL TO THE RESIDENCE 
 
 For formal garden work the blue spruce, thuyas, yews, etc., add a dignified 
 appearance all the year through. 
 
 A choice selection can be made, without fear of loss of trees, that will withstand 
 the most severe winters and do away with the annoyance and expense of replacing, 
 in spring, varieties unsuitable for the surroundings. 
 
 My experience during the past sixteen years as landscape gardener has fur- 
 nished me with much valuable information in regard to the procuring and planting 
 of these trees and shrubs. 
 
 On the estate of Mr. E. C. Converse may be seen one of the finest collections 
 of evergreens in this country, planted by me during the past eight years. 
 
 Contrary to the general belief, many large specimens have been transplanted 
 by the frozen ball method without a single loss. 
 
 [25] 
 
TTie entra 
 
 lodff 
 
 — an ideal gardener's eottag 
 
 RAMBLER ROSES AND CLEMATIS SHADE THE PERGOLA THE LAWN PLACED AT THE REAR 
 GIVES AMPLE SPACE FOR THE RECREATION OF THE OCCUPANTS. THE GARDEN AND 
 LAUNDRY GROUND ARE SCREENED FROM THE ENTRANCE WITH SHRUB PLANTING 
 
 X 
 
 The Fruit and Vegetable Garden 
 
 N the planning and construction of a country estate, there are many mat- 
 ters of permanent interest and importance to be taken into consideration. 
 From the productive point of view my experience suggests the following: 
 
 After the site for the house has been selected, the position of vegetable and 
 fruit gardens should receive early attention, as about the first things expected 
 from an estate are vegetables and fruit. 
 
 If an early start is made in this direction, by the time the house is ready for 
 occupancy some returns can be expected. Asparagus, usually the first spring 
 vegetable, and requiring at least one year's growth before cutting, and the straw- 
 berry beds, requiring the same time before bearing fruit, should be promptly 
 
 [26] 
 
The gardener's cottage " 
 
 ENTRANCE LODGE, FRONT, WITH ITS QUIET SETTING OF EVERGREENS. AN IDEAL 
 "FIRST IMPRESSION" OF THE ESTATE. THIS WELL-ORDERED COTTAGE IS IN KEEP- 
 ING WITH THE ESTATE, BEAUTIFUL AND INTERESTING IN ITS NATURAL SIMPLICITY 
 
 planted with other fruits and vegetables that require most time for development, 
 and materially add to the pleasures and comforts of country life. 
 
 Berries, grapes, etc., follow with a general planting of fruit trees in season. 
 
 The reserve ground should next be taken into consideration, where some good 
 lawn-grass seed should be sown to furnish a supply of turf (an item always needed) . 
 
 Another reason for starting on the above lines at once is this: While the 
 house is building, little in the line of grading or planting can be done in the imme- 
 diate vicinity and ample time can be taken to determine the laying out of the 
 avenues, flower gardens, greenhouses, garage and farm buildings. 
 
 Strange to say, this important part of any estate — the fruit and vegetable 
 garden — is often neglected. If owners of country homes will take a little pains 
 to develop these gardens, they will find them a source of much satisfaction. 
 
 127] 
 
"Old time is still a-flying" 
 
 SHOWING GARAGE, CLOCK AND WATER TOWER BUILT OF STONE QUARRIED ON THE 
 ESTATE. THE MIXED TREES IN THE FOREGROUND SHOW WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED 
 WITH NATIVE GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ESTATE ON NATURAL LINES 
 
 Landscape Forestry 
 
 'S^-'HE general topography of the estate should be given careful study by 
 € J a competent landscape architect, and the general plan of the estate con- 
 ^^^ sidered to secure the best results from the planting of the place. Climatic 
 conditions, exposure, privacy and all natural advantages should be given thought, 
 as all play their part in the general effect. 
 
 If the avenue is properly planned, its planting and care can easily be carried 
 out by one familiar with landscape gardening to suit the ideas of the owner. In 
 case the owner has a preference for a certain variety of tree to predominate in the 
 avenue, the planning can be arranged to carry out the purpose harmoniously. 
 If the avenue is straight, or nearly so, the line-planting can in most cases be 
 
 [28] 
 
' Wher 
 
 shadows lengthen and twilight falls " 
 
 THE OVERFLOW FROM THE LAKE, SHOWING JAPANESE HALF-CIRCLE BRIDGE OVER THE WATER- 
 FALL. THE LUXURIANT GROWTH OF THE WILLOWS AND POPLARS IN SEVEN YEARS PROVES 
 WHAT CAN BE DONE WHERE THE PROPER MATERIAL IS SELECTED FOR THE ENVIRONMENT 
 
 followed; on the other hand, should it run through a rolling or wooded country, 
 an entirely different plan must be considered. 
 
 If a part of the grounds is naturally wooded, care should be taken in selecting 
 material that will lead up to or harmonize with the natural conditions. For 
 instance, if the drive passes through a wood, composed (as in many cases) of the 
 deciduous trees of the East, charming vistas may often be secured by the removal 
 of undesirable trees, and by so doing benefit those reserved. 
 
 Where an undergrowth or fronting is required, magnificent effects may be 
 produced by the introduction of such evergreens as hemlock, spruce, rhododen- 
 drons, mountain laurel, etc., at a slight cost. 
 
 Here is where the experience of one familiar with nursery stock and prices 
 can save the owner much expense. Very often fine bargains of trees unsuitable 
 
 [29] 
 

 The whispering pines and the hemlocks " 
 THE PINE PLANTING ON SECTION OF AVENUE— PLEASING IN ITS VARIOUS SHADES OF 
 NATURE'S COLOR -GREEN IN SUMMER, A GLORIOUS WINTER SCENE WHEN VEILED WITH 
 SNOW, FORMING A GRACEFUL AND DIGNIFIED APPEARANCE THE YEAR THROUGH 
 
 for specimens can be obtained for this class of work and the amount saved put 
 to the use of buying finer trees for more open places. 
 
 A long experience in selecting and buying all kinds of planting material 
 enables me to carry out this important branch of work judiciously and successfully. 
 
 Where native cedars or pines predominate, the addition of scarlet oaks, red 
 maples, birch and other trees assist in brilliant color effects. Berried shrubs and 
 trees, such as the mountain ash, berberries and native holly, viburnums, etc., add 
 much to the fall and winter landscape. 
 
 Special care must be given to the landscape work in close proximity to the 
 house. No set rule can be applied. A charming setting for a house built of gray 
 stone can be procured by the planting of evergreens, thereby softening the outline 
 and adding a rich, subdued tone the year 'round. 
 
 [30] 
 
The conservatory and greenhouse " 
 
 FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES ARE RAISED IN THE VARIOUS COMPARTMENTS. A 
 GREENHOUSE BUILT WITH PARTITIONS ENABLES THE GARDENER TO SUPPLY THE OWNER 
 WITH MANY THINGS REQUIRING DIFFERENT TREATMENT AND TEMPERATURES 
 
 The Greenhouse 
 
 "S^-^HERE is hardly an estate of any size that does not carry its range of green- 
 € J houses. In many cases their planning and erection is placed in the hands 
 ^^^ of someone who has not the faintest idea of the particular purpose for 
 which each section is being built, and who studies them from an architectural 
 instead of a horticultural point of view. The result can be imagined when the 
 gardener is called upon to produce roses or fruit in a house that has hardly any of 
 the requirements called for. 
 
 I have seen many greenhouses on private estates placed in positions where 
 they are run at a loss and are a source of annoyance instead of pleasure and profit. 
 
 My training on some of the finest estates in this country and Europe has given 
 me a great advantage in this particular line over the average landscape architect. 
 
 [31] 
 
PR 1 1913 
 
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