HOME LANDSCAPING 137

The selection of plants begins after all ground plans and eleva-
tions are satisfactory. Any plant that will thrive and that fits the
design requirements is usually suitable. The rarity of a plant is
irrelevant; only its pictorial aspect is pertinent in landscape com-
position. It is well to study nursery catalogs and plant lists to
learn what plants will fit the specifications. The actual selection
of the plants usually requires some local guidance, because the
ecological factors of climate, soil, and drainage limit the choice.

The amateur designer should be warned against the confusing
wealth of plant material procurable. Most grounds have far too
many varieties of plants. Profuse mixtures not only lack coherence
but also detract from the house, which should be the center of
interest. American women have definitely eliminated the clutter
of miscellaneous objects from their houses but not as yet from
their yards. Souvenir plants and ornamental plants of all types
are unfortunately too often assembled without a definite objective.
The proper place for most gifts and miscellaneous plants is in an
experimental section.

Unity in the landscape is greatly promoted by featuring one par-
ticular kind of shrub and one kind of tree. Other plants should
be added only where variety or accent is necessary to arouse in-
terest. Naturally the featured shrub and tree are carefully chosen.

In some properties success is attained by restricting the planting
to one type, such as tropical plants, native materials, desert plants,
or those that contribute to an effect such as Modernism or quaint-
ness. A garden of such positive character follows the theme estab-
lished by the house.

One of the most important points to ascertain in the selection
of shrubs and trees is whether they are evergreen. In cold cli-
mates a fair proportion of coniferous evergreens adds color and
contrast, but a disproportionate quantity of them creates an im-
pression of gloom and darkness. However, the effect of ever-
greens on the winter landscape of the North is well worth their
additional cost. In warmer climates where many broad-leaved
evergreens thrive, it is possible to have almost the same general
landscape effect all the year round, although most gardeners prefer
the contrast of some leafless material Bare branches reveal the
rhythmic beauty of the plant structure and also convey a message
of rest from the sleeping tree or shrub*