PLANTING FOR LANDSCAPE EFFECT. 



There are, however, several broad generalizations which may be applied carefully to 

 all cases. Thus it is obvious that very bizarre-looking things, such as the monkey-puzzle 

 tree (Araucaria imbricata), will clash with all their surroundings, and should never be 

 employed except in collections of arboricultural curiosities. Again, geological conditions will 

 have their determining influence, for there are many things that will thrive on sandstone 

 which will die on lime or chalk, such as rhododendrons and American shrubs, while 

 other things, such as holm oaks, prefer it. Then, at the seaside, we shall become aware 

 that our choice is very limited, and we shall probably plant mountain ash, beech, oak 

 and holly extensively, for lack of other large trees that will thrive. A smoky neighbour- 

 hood will, again limit our material very much, and we shall have to rely for many of 

 our effects on two or three kinds, such as the London plane and the various poplars, 

 with dogwoods, elders and rhododendrons for undergrowths. Such a neighbourhood would 

 be fatal to many other trees, such as Scotch firs, which one often finds planted where they 

 cannot possibly succeed, under the impression, no doubt, that, as they are hardy enough 

 to brave a Northern winter on an exposed site, they will succeed anywhere. The portion 

 of the British Isles in 

 which our planting is 

 to be done will also 

 enable the experienced 

 planter to eliminate 

 unsuitable subjects 

 from his list of possible 

 useful varieties, for 

 there are many trees 

 which, while they will 

 luxuriate in a sheltered 

 position in the Thames 

 valley, would die at 

 once in the Northern 

 Counties. 



The amount and 

 depth of soil available 

 is also important. 

 Thus ash and syca- 

 more require a good 

 soil, while pines, oak 



and beech are less exacting. Birch will grow with very little soil indeed and, in English 

 mountain scenery, may often be seen gracing the face of a barren precipice, where it 

 grows out of a cleft in the rock only big enough to take the stem. 



This brings us to another point arising directly out of these considerations, and this 

 is that, by planting those species which are indigenous, we shall obtain effects which 

 harmonize well with the local scenery. Those trees that possess a habit helpful in the 

 composition of a scene will invariably be found to accompany it. The instance just 

 quoted of the silver birch adorning the rugged precipice with its graceful feathery foliage 

 is a case in point, and there are many others, such as the Scotch fir standing boldly 

 out against the sky, its dark rich foliage and red trunk harmonizing or contrasting 

 pleasingly with the purple heather and bright orange soil of broken banks, as we see 

 it in perfection in Surrey, the rich evergreen of the holm oak and yews against white 

 chalk cliffs, the graceful willow hanging over and reflected in pools of still water, and 

 the tall Lombardy poplar, with its strongly marked vertical habit, contrasting with the 

 prevailing horizontal lines in sky and landscape so characteristic of flat marshy districts, 



Aids to 

 choice of 

 material. 



FIG. 345. POPLARS IX UNCONGENIAL SURROUNDINGS. 



Obtaining 



harmonious 



effects. 



267 



