Background plantings of tall shrubs and small trees therefore play an important part, not only for their pictorial compositions but also in creating shade and casting shadows. Fortunately there are a number of trees and shrubs for this purpose, especially broad-leaved evergreens not found elsewhere. The long periods of excessive dryness, too, must be taken into consideration, for those perennials that require plenty of moisture will fail unless watered arti ficially.

The following lists of plant material may be of interest to gardeners in the various sections of the country. They are based on climate, not on soil acidity or alkalinity. It is as sumed that the soil of the border is good neutral garden soil.

If it is otherwise, modifications will have to be made accord ingly. These lists are not exhaustive but indicative of what can be used with a reasonable amount of success and with the least effort.

TREES AND SHRUBS FOR THE MID-SOUTH AND CALIFORNIA

(30°-50° F., average minimum temperature)
(* denotes evergreen)