PLANT MATERIALS AND THEIR USE 



The Objects of Planting 



iHE main principles or objects of general planting can be enu- 

 merated as follows: 



1. To make a picture. We can usually divide a picture into fore-, 

 middle-, and backgrounds, one of which should contain the chief point 

 of interest. Anything to be developed in detail should come in the 

 foreground. The design is of interest either from the structural de- 

 sign or the applied design standpoint. Planting is placed as a frame- 

 work for the picture. Buildings should be framed from at least one 

 good viewpoint. 



2. To define areas. By means of planting about the sides of the 

 property. 



3. To make a background, if possible, for any object of interest. This 

 is especially true of fore- and middle-ground pictures. Small, simple, 

 straight-Hned buildings need a background more than large, irregular- 

 shaped buildings. 



4. To efect a tracery {a partial screen) of foliage in front of the 

 object of interest. It serves to break up harsh lines 



5. To screen. May be dense to exclude an objectionable object. 

 Plants and vines are used for covering over uninteresting objects, as 

 poles, fences, etc. 



6. To provide shade. 



7. To divide the grounds into various areas, such as service, private, 

 public, etc. 



8. To bring out an accent in the picture. Lombardy Poplars are 

 often used for this. 



9. To give strength and character to the picture. 



10. To give balance to the picture and keep it in equilibrium by 

 means of masses. Masses do not need to be of the same size. Many 

 of Corot's pictures may be studied as good examples. 



11. To apply a practical reason for departing from a logical plan. 



12. To unite harsh lines — as by means of plants about the base of the 

 house, etc. This makes a gradual transition from ground level to 

 vertical walls. 



