218 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



plants named and to choose species or varieties which have accepted 

 the conditions of his general region. This may help him to make a 

 start, but we must urge upon every amateur to pursue shrub, tree and 

 vine studies whenever opportunity offers. Walks abroad in his sub- 

 urban situation will always give opportunities for such studies and so 

 will rides along rural highways, passing well planted farmyards, or 

 village parks, etc. all of which have specimens worth looking at and 

 talking about, unless one be a speed-burner, never seeing anything 

 but the horizon unless he crashes into it. And then the many parks 

 and pleasure grounds of the greater cities of California afford splendid 

 material for study. In many of them due attention has been paid to 

 name-labeling and from these public exhibits, plants which please can 

 be noted as a guide in ordering from the nurserymen. At many of the 

 nurseries also good growing specimens can be seen and information 

 gained concerning them. 



Choice and Arrangement of Trees. Although we advise every 

 planter to choose his own particular trees, there are a few hints of a 

 general character which may be indulged in. 



In dooryards of small area in any part of the state where the rain- 

 fall is great it is undesirable to plant evergreen trees because their 

 shade excludes winter sunshine and keeps the place dark and wet 

 not only to the discomfort of people but to the exclusion of winter- 

 blooming flowers which you might otherwise have. For the same 

 reason, plus their somber aspect, evergreens of the coniferous class 

 are also undesirable. If densely-foliaged evergreen trees are required 

 for winter wind-breaks, plant them to windward, and if this be on the 

 south, plant them far enough away so that they admit all the sunshine 

 possible under your limitations. In sections where there is little rain 

 and much sunshine, or on large places with ample side and rear spaces, 

 indulgence in the wealth of broad-leaved evergreens which thrive in 

 California is commendable. 



Coniferous evergreens should not be planted in any position where 

 the tree cannot be given full possession of the ground under its 

 branches. Trimmed-up conifers are grotesque, as will be claimed in 

 connection with pruning. If open space is desired under evergreens 

 they should be of kinds which naturally make clear trunks in their 

 early life, or do not adopt a set form which is destroyed by trimming 

 up. 



Although it is admissible to plant trees of different kinds together 

 for reasonable variety in dooryards or to their rear or sides, it is not 

 desirable to mix trees along driveways which are expected to have 

 an avenue effect. This is especially true in street or highway plant- 

 ing. From lines of single trees multiplied, however, we get a distinct 

 impression, and that impression is not due to any one of the trees, 



