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frequently have interesting colors or unusual patterns which, either in nature
on in gardens, give us pleasure. In the respect, perhaps the most outstanding
tree of the northeastern woodlands is the paper, or white birch. In late
fall, the white bark is striking contrast to an otherwise dull grey or brown
landscape. Combine these trees with a background of evergreen hemlock or
pine or spruce and very pleasing effects are produced. A shrub with unusual
bark patterns in Euonymus alata, the burning bush. Corky extensions of the
bark form wings on each side of all the branches, and when snow falls, the
lacy patterns of snow caught on the wings are very handsome. Other bark
patterns are interesting for deep fissures in the bark, giving contrasting
light patterns; striped barks of such trees as moosewood (Acer pennsylvanicum)
produce very desirable effects.

We mentioned earlier that the veins of leaves make interesting color
pattern variations. Leaves have other characteristics, particularly in form,
which make them valuable as ornamentals. Indeed, florists take advantage
of this in construction of bouquets and corsages. Seldom are these made with
flowers alone, and even the lovely orchid corsage has some sort of green
foliage background. The foliage selected for these backgrounds has to pro-
vide a beautiful setting for the center-stage flower and also must last at
least as long as the flowers. For this reason, leaves with a heavy cuticle,
or thickened and succulent interior, are selected. Leaves, like flowers,
vary in the length of time they will remain fresh and colorful after cutting.
Kinds of Plants Used as Ornamentals

From the foregoing discussion it should be evident that almost any
plant can be used as an ornamental. Even mosses, without true stem and leaf,
are employed in ornamental plantings, particularly in some Japanese gardens.
Ferns are frequently used as decorative plants in shaded or moist areas.
The coniferous plants (gymnosperms) are favorites used by nearly all peoples,
from the coldest to the warmest parts of the earth. In the temperate zones,