70 How to Lay Out 



ruined by such methods. A single row of trees or shrubs for 

 a screen is not so good as a broad belt or plantation. See 

 Plate XXVI. The row looks too thin. However, it may be 

 necessary to use a single row on account of the contracted area 

 of the grounds. 



What shall I plant? is the question usually asked, and not 

 where or how to make pleasing grouping or picture-like 

 arrangements. More than half the failures are due to this 

 misplaced emphasis. It is the design, the general mass, the 

 varied sky line or outline that makes the pictures, not the indiv- 

 idual plant. AVithout considering the pigments one looks at 

 a beautiful painting and realizes it is a masterpiece. Never- 

 theless it is the pigments in the hand of the master that makes 

 the work of art. Likewise there are several kinds of plants 

 which may be used in the same situation to obtain the same 

 mass effect. It is a peculiar fact that by planting a ])lace 

 may appear to look larger, especially if the border plantations 

 have been well studied. A group or plantation on the border 

 line not only protects the boundary, but gives a limiting point 

 for the eye to rest upon. If the interior lawn is kept free and 

 open, the extent of the ground is increased. See Plates XXV 

 and XXVI. 



In planning a border plantation it is not necessary to omit 

 the plants in the border, only vary it by the choice of plants 

 with regard to the height to which they will grow. See Plates 

 XXXI, XXXII, XXXIII, and XXXIV. 



Choose plants that will harmonize in leaf, color, and form, 

 unless a contrast is desired. If a contrast is desired it should 

 be studied to avoid making a spotted appearance. 



There are but few buildings that do not look bold and bare 

 without some plants to soften th(^ sharp line where building 

 and gi-ound unite. Plant along the base of a building, not 

 too heavily, but enougli to obtain the softening effect and 

 make the house appear a part of the composition. See Plates 

 XII, XXIX, and XXX. 



