The Saratoga Sun

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TREES ALONG CITY STREETS

Work Done by Philadelphia Organization Might Be Copied to Advantage in Other Places.

The Society of Little Gardens from the time of its inauguration recognized street tree planting as one of the city's most vital needs and its interest in the idea received a tremendous impetus from the clever plan conceived and carried out by Miss Edith Howe in the early spring of 1915.

Instead of contenting herself with a couple of trees in front of her own door, Miss Howe determined to have the whole block planted in an effective manner. To obtain this end she consulted the Fairmount park commissioners, who have charge of the trees in the streets of Philadelphia. They were glad to assist her, and sent her an expert who drew up a ground plan of the block, with an estimate of the cost of planting; and armed with this she invited her neighbors to co-operate with her.

Her success was remarkable. Enough money was subscribed not only to plant the trees, but to have them cared for for three years.

Some of the officers of Little Gardens, hearing of this well-thought-out plan and its results, determined to try the same methods on a larger scale and endeavor to have all Spruce and Locust streets and others transformed into avenues. Accordingly letters were written to a number of public-spirited women inviting each to undertake the planting of her own block; and, in reply, 11 agreed to make the experiment.

That the effort has not been invariably successful goes without saying. Nevertheless, much has been accomplished.

—October House Beautiful.