Formal garden of Frank A. Hardy, Esq., Derry, N. H., designed by Harlan P. Kelsey. 
Landscape Department 
PLANNING AND PLANTING, AND THE USE OF 
HARDY NATIVE PLANTS 
The successful carrying out of any landscape improvement depends to so great an extent upon 
the knowledge, skill and good taste of the one to whom this work is intrusted, that it is supremely 
important to start right, no matter whether the work be large or small. 
By the employment of a trained landscape architect expensive experiments may be avoided, and 
successful results insured. This applies to questions both of design and of practical planting. 
I take charge of the proper laying out and planting of large and small grounds, extensive estates, 
parks, cemeteries, and other public or private landscape improvements. Particular attention is 
given to the use of hardy American plants, which arc unquestionably the basis of all the best perma¬ 
nent plantings in this country and particularly where naturalistic effects are desired. If this fact 
is ignored, the most finished and lasting results cannot be secured. The formal garden, where, in the 
past, exotics have been used almost exclusively, has wonderful possibilities, as yet barely realized, 
for the employment of many native plants, and especially our magnificent Rhododendrons, Kalmias 
and other broad-leaved evergreens. These plants are not only absolutely hardy and free from foreign 
diseases and pests, but show splendid summer and winter 
effects that can be produced in no other way. There arc, 
in fact, no foreign plants which can possibly take their 
place. 
Horticultural knowledge, including soil requirements 
and an intimate acquaintance with plant material, is 
quite as essential as and co-ordinate with proper design¬ 
ing, and these things are too often overlooked. Moreover, 
water-color sketches do not constitute landscape garden¬ 
ing. It is an art to be practiced only after years of study 
and experience and, further, like painting and sculpture, 
must be born in one and not altogether acquired. 
I am not, however, by any means, committed to the 
use of Native Plants exclusively, but, where useful and 
advisable, always introduce the best exotics to produce 
desired results. 
I am prepared to make professional visits for con¬ 
sultation and advice, to make surveys, plans and designs, 
and to undertake the entire construction, planting and 
carrying out of landscape work of all descriptions. 
Correspondence with those having new grounds to 
layout and plant, or unsatisfactory old grounds to make 
over, is solicited. Charges are reasonable, yet sufficient 
to warrant the best results, in fairness to my clients and 
myself. Address: 
HARLAN P. KELSEY 
Landscape Department SALEM, MASS. 
13 
Boulder Sun-dial in Mr. Hardy’s formal 
garden, covered with Boston Ivy. 
