40 LANDSCAPE GARDENING 



Canadensis aurea (Fig. 34), which, it is said, was 

 first found growing native, would not harmonize 

 with a typical native planting scheme in any case, 

 but could be made to harmonize with a more gar- 

 denesque-like treatment. Sumac, with its irregu- 

 lar branches, brilliant coloring, and general in- 

 formal appearance, would not do at all for city 

 planting. 



In the city home the selection of trees and 

 shrubs is not controlled by natural features, such 

 as existing plant material and contours, for city 

 conditions are artificial, and a naturalistic treat- 

 ment would serve only to accentuate the artificial- 

 ity. Evergreens, provided they can withstand 

 smoke conditions, may here be used to advantage, 

 considering them as units of a whole mass rather 

 than as a natural part of their surroundings. 

 They seem to have an inherent stiffness which fits 

 them for artificial conditions. 



Trees and shrubs in city planting are useful only 

 for contrast of form and color. Woodland condi- 

 tions would seem as much out of place in stiff city 

 surroundings as would a collection of topiary 

 work and hybrid roses under natural forest condi- 

 tions, because its very nature would lead one to 

 question its appearance among such uncongenial 



