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198
VISUAL EDUCATION
July, 1924
SHRUBBERY RELIEVES THE SCHOOLYARD FROM BARENESS
The Value of Decorative School Grounds
THE school is no longer an eye-sore in a progressive community. At one time a school building was a detriment to the appearance of a neighborhood. Now in most places it is an asset. The modern buildings planned by the best architects have all the timeproven requisites of a school and at the same time they are beautiful
of its effectiveness is wasted. The planting of the grounds is turned over to competent landscape gardeners, so that the outlines of the trees and shrubs will harmonize with the contour of the building. Special attention is given to the planting of the area reserved for
the flag pole; for the flag, like a diamond, is enhanced by a good setting and the grounds seem incomplete without it.
Daily contact with beautiful surroundings inevitably reacts favorably upon the child. It inspires in him to a degree that nobleness of spirit which is awakened when we look upon any lovely bit of natural scenery. The pride which he takes in his building instills in him an unconscious desire to live up to his surroundings. The restful orderliness of an artistically beautiful environment sends the child to his studies in the tranquil state of mind so necessary for concentration.
It is here, in the beauty of these giounds which are his, yet not his alone, that he gets his first feeling of community pride and interest. He learns to avoid cutting corners in order to keep the lawn unbroken, to keep his fingers off the flowers, and to reverence the trees ; and out of this comes a sense of respect for public property.
When a person, as a child, has been associated with beautifully planted, well kept grounds, he is so definitely impressed that in later life he feels the necessity of making his home surroundings as artistic as his means will permit, thus raising the standard of his community.
Many an old building is vastly improved by hiding the foundation line with shrubs.
outside as well as inside. Sufficient ground is now purchased to permit the building to be set well back from the street, and to afford a playground and spacious lawns. No matter how beautiful the building, if it is not well "landscaped" much
Lawn space is often reserved for a bird bath. The tall row of lombardy poplars was planted to hide car tracks and a most unattractive coal yard.