208 
The Carden Magazine, December, 1920 
NOT IN THE DESERT BUT IN THE GARDEN SPOT OF OAKLAND 
Cactus, and Agaves, and such like plants which suggest the desert, may in the hands 
of a skillful planter be used to great advantage, but they needs must be used alone 
proven especially adapted to the needs of Begonias and the 
largest collection of varieties in the state is now growing there. 
Dasylirions, Dracaenas, Yuccas, Agaves, Crassulas, giant 
Echeverias, and Sedums, also flourish best in the southern 
sect'on where they fit readily into the natural landscape. 
Bamboos in variety add a distinct tropical accent to the lower 
coast zone. Dendrocalamus latiflorus is the most popular 
of the Giant Bamboos, and attains to a height of fifty feet in a 
few years. There is a Bamboo collection, unusually fine for the 
central section, at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. 
Palm planting, though little favored by the Eastern land- 
scape architect, is prevalent in the southern section and should 
be more carefully studied. Proper group planting has great 
possibilities. The choicest Palms now grown are Cocos plumosa 
and australis, Kentias Forsteriana and Belmoreana; Phoenix 
rupicola, canariensis, reclinata and Roebelini; Erytheas 
armata, Edulis and Brandegei, native Fan-palms of 
Lower California and its islands. The armata is a beautiful 
blue-gray and when in bloom has a regal and striking beauty 
Many fine exotic evergreens and summer blooming trees — 
Italian Cypress and Irish Yews, vines, shrubs, perennials, and 
annuals, decorative plants, bulbs, etc. — are used in addition 
to those already enumerated, and each plays its special part 
in planting schemes, whether deciduous or evergreen. 
