6 



inferred that but a small proportion of conspicuous plants is necessary for a 

 well-balanced group. While it is dangerous to be too specific, let us say, for ex- 

 ample, that in a group of three plants it is unwise to use more than two kinds. 

 The same is true for a group of five, and possibly even of six or seven. In groups 

 of three, five, or seven, the accent plants should probably number one, one or 

 two, and two, respectively. It is evident that an increase in the number of con- 

 spicuous plants would very likely destroy the balance of the group. However, 

 this use of figures and of exact proportions in examples must not be mistaken for 

 absolute rules, but should be regarded merely as illustrations of the general 

 principles applicable to most cases. 



Three varieties may perhaps be combined into a group that includes in all 

 about ten plants, if the accent plants are of but a single kind and if the two 

 other kinds composing the mass of the group are similar. Further, in order to 

 maintain the predominance of one kind of foliage, the two similar varieties should 

 not be used in equal proportions. Rather, the divisions should be made apparently 

 unequal. To insure this unequal division by the time the plants of the group 

 have matured, the fact that one species perhaps grows faster or becomes larger 

 than the other should be noted at the start, and each plant should be accordingly 

 Hsed in quantities which will insure the desired proportion in the ultimate effect. 

 Usually groups larger than those composed of ten plants are necessary to obtain 

 satisfactory effects when more than two varieties are used in a group. However, 

 larger groups, or those so long as to resemble a continuous border, may, under 

 some circumstances, include greater variety of foliage and form. But the principle 

 of employing slight, rather than strong, contrasts, and that of relying upon dif- 

 ferent forms of similar values of green, rather than upon a variety of colors, to 

 produce contrast in the desired degree, should both be generally applied in the 

 composition of groups. The tendency to use too great a variety of plants should 

 be resisted upon all occasions, and selection should be made in accordance with 

 reason and well-laid plans. 



The word group implies singleness, or unity, and not a spotty effect of three, 

 five, seven, or any other definite number of individual plants which may be in- 

 tended to constitute a group. This undesirable appearance is likely to result 

 when the variety of plants used is too great, or when the plants all possess too 

 definite a form or habit of growth. After the plants have matured, the appearance 

 of the group slaould be that of a whole, not that of several distinct shrubs or 

 trees. No doubt a rounded, massive group gives the least impression of being 

 composed of separate plants; but even the most picturesque group should have 

 its unlike elements balanced with such nicety as to render its conspicuous plants 

 less evident individually, while at the same time making them contributory to 

 the effectiveness of the entire group. It is even possible, by careful and skilful 

 composition, to space the plants of a group so widely as to entirely prevent their 

 merging, while at the same time producing a satisfactory unified effect. The 

 skill necessary to compose groups of trees or shrubs in accordance with the 

 principles of design, may, in a measure, be natural to some persons, but it is more 

 apt to be the result of study and experience. However, if one will adopt an easy 

 way of doing his planting, and will keep it simple rather than complex, and will 

 work for subdued rather than striking contrasts, he may be reasonably assured 

 of results which are both pleasing and in good taste. 



