The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1924-03-13
PLANT sfArERiAL'

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/ PLANT MATERIAL
From Farmers Bulletin 1887
In planting the farmstead the par
ticular plants used, If hardy ant
adapted to the region and locality
are of less Importance than the gen
leral effect of the mass. The expires
sion of the mass, however, is de
pendent an the combined effect Of
the characters of the plants compos
ing it. There are great differences Of
expression between the EXPLANATORY
or '1ook-at-me" impression created
by the Lombardy poplar and other
tall slim plants and the sympathetic
and almost mournful impression
given by dropping plants, like the
weeping willow; between the sturdy
self-reliant attitude, typified espe-
cially by the white oaks and live
| oaks, and the dependent or clinging
attitude expressed by vines; between
the formal expression of symmetrical
lrigid-grOwing plants, like the frs and
spruces, and the informal expression
of the tamarisk; and between the
heavy effect of plants with large
dark leaves and the airy effect of
plants with small light-green leaves.
Plants with great differences of
expression should not be used too
close together, but should be united
by those with intermediate char
acters. The lines of the different
parts of the mass should flow into
one another without too great con-
trasts. Transitions in color and
texture should also be gradual. The
more unusual the characters of q
plant the greater is the need for
carefully placing it where 1t will be
most pleasing.
Plants selected for home-ground
orpamentation should be hardy In
the region, should be comparatively
free from attacks by insects and dis
eases, should have a reasonable
quantity Of foliage that is not liable
to drop from slightly adverse condi-
lions, especially weather conditions,
and should be Of the proper size.
habit, and texture for the location;
that is, where q tall upright shrub is
needed a tall spreading one should
not be used. Most Of the planting
should be of comparatively few
kinds, altho a few specimens Of un-
usual sorts will give variety and add
q certain amount of interest. The |
character of plants that make them |
valuable for adornment are ID foil |
age, CD winter effect, and CD |
flowers. The Importance of foliage !
is due to its permanency, lasting |
from five months to year, depend
ing on the type of plant, the latitude |
and the elevation, while he period of
bloom is short, usually not more |
than two weeks.
Next to foliage In Importance |
comes the winter effect. Taking the |
United States as whole the average |
time that deciduous plants are with
out foliage is at least five months,
During this period the farm home is
occupied as continuously as in sum-
mer, and the surroundings should be
IS attractive as possible. Evergreen |
shrubs, both coniferous and broad |
leaved, maintain a color thruout the
winter not otherwise obtained. Used
in moderation, they are distinct adj
iition at this season. On the other |
hand, many deciduous shrubs have
winter characters, the
most striking being bright-colored |
berries. Then there are barks of
many shades of brown and gray,
with some of bright red, green and
yellow, that if properly arranged |
make pleasing contrasts and add to
the winter beauty. The short bloom
ing period OF the average shrub |
makes flowers the least important of
the characters to be considered. In
spite of this the color, character and |
time of blooming should be con-
,idered as well as the behavior OF
the dying flowers, whether or not I
they fade to conspicuous and I'M
desirable color and hang on unduly
Or pass away without distinctly un-
slightly stage.
The different kinds of plants
should be selected SO that they will
give bloom thru as much of the sea-
son as practicable, thus affording
OF special interest as con-
;inuously as possible. The bulk Of
he planting, however, should be of
! few species. Eight to dozen
Kinds are enough for an ordinary
,lace. with this small number,
selected as far as practicable to
title danger of getting color COM
JludLlOA6 Ludt Will hOt Adk A4OhfAO-
Where especially bright colors- are
others should not be chosen
or growing next to them during the
anne season unless they harmonize.
Year brick buildings, or buildings
tainted with bright colors, care must
,e exercised in selecting shrubs with
olored flowers. White flowers are
,lways safe and can be used to help
n giving other flowers an appropri-
te setting. A plentiful use of the
iferent greens or a mixture of
many colors is also safe. 1t Is only
yhen one or two colors are selected
or use in quantity that danger of
ack of harmony arises.
The reason that white is safe
dior to use is because the human
ye can observe 1t with least fatigue.
ia cOmDOaad Of a MIXTURE Of th0I