300 THE COMPLETE GARDEN 



foliage or its flowers during the months from November to the first 

 of April. 



There are many northern types of material which can easily be used in 

 Florida plantations for its value during the winter months. There are 

 many other types of northern material with which experiments should 

 be conducted concerning their value for plantations in this climate. 



Many of the plants so familiar to northern plantings can be equally 

 well used in plantings of the far south. Privet, golden bell, magnolia, 

 and spirea are among this group which have value during the winter 

 months. Most of the more hardy-flowering shrubs can be used in 

 plantings, but because their period of flowering and of fruiting does not 

 come during these winter months (December to April) they have been 

 little used. The northern tourist is seeking colour of flowers while 

 occupying his winter home in Florida. He also seeks air and sunshine. 

 The heavy shade provided by the silk oak and the water oak so much 

 desired by Floridians he wishes replaced by warmth of winter sunshine 

 and tropical growth of palms which cast but little shade. The familiar 

 growth of shrubs carrying the atmosphere of the north must be re- 

 placed by shrubs and vines with brilliantly coloured flowers and foliage 

 Hke the croton, oleander, trumpet-vine, Chinese hibiscus, and chenille 

 plant. 



The great tendency in Florida plantings has been to develop a 

 "spotty" efi'ect at the expense of sacrificing interesting landscape com- 

 positions. The "mass" planting of the north is seldom seen. Most 

 types of southern plants are perhaps better adapted to specimen plant- 

 ing than to mass eff"ects. For eff^ective mass planting around buildings, 

 the croton, Chinese hibiscus, and chenille plant are among the best. 



LIST OF PLANTS FOR FLORIDA 



A. Windbreaks. It is often necessary in many locations, espe- 

 cially along the water fronts, to plant windbreaks that will preserve 

 the more tender types of plants and which will preserve the Hghter 

 soils against heavy windstorms coming from the direction of the 

 prevailing winds. Windbreaks in this section of the country are 

 not used for the same purpose that windbreaks are generally used in 

 the northern climates where winter protection is the main use. Wind- 

 breaks throughout the Florida section are of greatest value against 

 erosion of the lighter soils because of prevailing winds and injuries 

 to the more tender plants. 



