Plans and Plants for Small Places 



R. D. CORNELL,* LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 



The greater number of the common trees and shrubs, found in our Southern 

 California home grounds and parks, are not natives of this country, but have 

 been brought in from tropical and subtropical countries and acclimatized here in 

 a new environment. They come largely from Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, 

 Central and South America and West Indies. 



The public in general knows nothing of them as to general characteristics, such 

 as genus and species, habits, size of growth, etc. ; the park men in general know 

 little of their plants but the proper care of their physical needs ; and all too fre- 

 quently, the nurserymen, entrusted with the propagation and care of the young seed- 

 lings, are inaccurately and inadequately informed as to the true names and true 

 characteristics of the goods which they deliver to the public as correctly named. 

 There are no parks or gardens in all our southland where the plantings are named 

 and labeled, so that a stranger might inform himself as to the identity of that 

 tree or shrub which pleased or displeased him. 



That whicli is necessary to develop the greatest charm and beauty of our future 

 California, is a more careful consideration, on the part of the small as well as the 

 large home-builder, in the selection and arrangement of his plantings. It will 

 take but little time and thought and often will save expense in construction as 

 well as add to the selling value of the property. 



In the first place, know what you are planting! Be sure of its identity by ob- 

 taining it from a reliable nurseryman or other authentic source. Then learn its 

 habits and mature size by noticing some old specimens in your community, or 

 referring to a written authority on the subject, such as "Bailey," found in all good 

 libraries. Now plant the young tree with a view to what it will finally become in 

 size and form, not merely considering how it now looks. Have, if possible, the 

 vision of your home ten years hence, and in laying out the grounds and arranging 

 the plantings you will avoid that crowded, overgrown appearance that is so com- 

 monly seen in places, ranging from the small lot to the park measured by acres. 



A good creed for the prospective planter is this: 



Think, investigate, look beyond today, mix with your selection and arrange- 

 ment of plantings, your natural common sense, and your investment of a little 

 time and pains will pay an interest of enjoyment, satisfaction and increased value 

 of the property through all the years. 



The accompanying half-tones are from photographs taken of Southern Cali- 

 fornia homes. The pictures were best seen from the sidewalk, where the street 



*Mr. Cornell has been making a business of visiting plantings of every description 

 throughout Southern California, identifying the plants used, and observing every- 

 where the varying degrees of wise and unwise usage of them. This seems to me an 

 unexcelled opportunity for all owners of plantings who are not certain of the identity 

 and possibility of their plants, to call upon Mr. Cornell's services. The expense would 

 be slight and it would give an effective answer to the thousands of questions that are 

 constantly being asked, especially by newcomers to Southern California. — Ed. 



