Ornamentals

   Ornamental plants are those that are placed and used strictly because of the fact that they look good.  Ornamental plants can include certain flowers, as well as a variety of trees.  There are millions of different species of ornamental plants in the world, not to mention the hundreds of thousands that exist in the United States alone.  The choices are endless and there will always be a plant for whatever look you want.  Each plant will probably require some different methodology of taking care of it, and each will need different things (i.e. sunlight, soil, water, etc...). 

   This link will take you to a website with an online database of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other ornamentals.  (Don't click here unless you know what you are looking for, because you will spend all day browsing through this stuff). 
Click Here for online database

   Every plant should serve a predetermined purpose.  When planting, one should first start with a list of plants desired and a rough diagram in order to get the feel of the area.  The list should be made with plant characteristics in mind, such as size, shape, color, foliage, texture, season of bloom, and height.  If the project is a larger one, you may wish to have a landscape architect or an experienced horticulturist make a detailed layout and then begin the actual installation.
    Trees are the basis for any project.  If a solid base of trees is installed, the area will be well designed and there will be very few alterations needed.  For more detailed information on planting with trees and ornamentals, see chapter 10 in the book, pg. 165.

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