There is always a curious crowd, and of course its speculations are not always a 

 true indication of public opinion. However, a far more intelligent point of view 

 on the part of the public is much to be desired regarding landscape architectiu-e 

 what it is, and what it may do for every home owner. The public is more than 

 curious. It is genuinely interested! Most home owners, regardless of station 

 or income, desire to make their surroundings more attractive, and most of them 

 actually attempt it, although perhaps not with very great success. However, 

 of those who desire attractive yards, how many realize that at the same time 

 their yards may be made more useful and more convenient? 



This general interest has grown to such proportions that the nurserymen have 

 for some time been pressed, by those buying plants, to give advice for their arrange- 

 ment and planting. In many cases there is no one else at hand to furnish such 

 advice. Some nurseries have tried to sidestep this question, others have refused 

 to give any suggestions, and others, seeing therein an opportunity to increase their 

 sales, have established landscape departments, with or without charge, according 

 to what has seemed most feasible. Some landscape architects complain that the 

 nurseries should not undertake landscape work. But most professional land- 

 scape architects do not want, and many will not even accept, what is termed 

 "small business," as they say it does not pay. So here is a demand for a much- 

 needed service, with no competition, and with little interest shown by those best 

 able to supply the need. 



To the nurseryman and the florist, the requests of their patrons for advice in 

 planning and planting appears as an obstacle to their sales. The gardener accord- 

 ingly takes down his florist sign and puts up one which reads "landscape gardener." 

 He has observed the work on large places in his vicinity, and keeps an open eye for 

 ideas. As small jobs are abundant, he finds plenty of practice, and ■vyith this 

 comesconfidence. Similarly, the nurseryman receives calls from nearby residents 

 who say they would like some shrubs, if men can be sent from the nursery to 

 plant them. As he is a business man, he meets the demand — he adapts himself 

 and his organization to public demands. To do this adequately, he must find 

 someone capable of taking the responsibiUty of giving advice and of directing 

 planting operations. Of course he must make this new man pay, possibly by 

 increasing the charges for his stock, by charging an extra fee for his services, 

 or by materially augmenting his nursery sales. The new man must in some way 

 earn his salary. Moreover, he himself wishes to make good, and so goes after 

 business, and also after larger work on larger residences. Eventually he reaches 

 out for the big estates which the landscape architect has hitherto considered his 

 legitimate and exclusive field of activity. 



It cannot be expected that the man whose main interest, training, and experi- 

 ence is that of growing and selling plants will also understand the theory of their 

 design,and the arrangement of plants is but a part of the whole operation of 

 planning, or, to speak more technically, of "designing." Designing includes not 

 only the arrangement of plants, but of aD objects and areas within a property. 

 The man of ideals, the artist trained in design and especially in landscape design, 

 should best know how to deal with the practical as well as with the artistic possi- 

 bilities of any piece of land, park, or residence, as these fall within the scope of 

 design The work of the landscape architect requires a special genius, training, 

 and experience, just as does that of the nurseryman or of any other business or 



