22 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
Dependable 
Plants 
Selections 
Restricted 
Because of the many kinds of soil throughout the Southwest, 
and the varying degrees of moisture, heat, and wind in each sec¬ 
tion, certain plants will thrive in one location which will not 
flourish in another. Southwestern native plants that are surpris¬ 
ingly attractive and effective when cultivated, are most depend¬ 
able as a basis for planting. Many of these are being grown and 
prized in far-distant gardens. 
As it is always effective to confine the selection of plants to a 
limited number of varieties, choose only a few to be the basis of 
the scheme of planting, skillfully grouping, repeating, and com¬ 
bining those selected. Just as a few well-chosen smaller stones, 
repeated in a systematic way, give greater charm to the central 
gem, so appropriate planting emphasizes the architectural beauty 
of the building it encircles. 
Whether large or very tiny, a home may present the height of 
artistic expression. The garden and grounds can be as exquisite 
as a miniature on ivory, or as breath-takingly beautiful as Versailles 
or Hampton Court, for accomplishment of perfection depends 
largely on the skillful use of available materials, blended to a 
nicety of proportion, balance and symmetry. 
Editors. 
