THE distribution of suitable trees, shrubs, and plants in a garden comes up for consideration after the contours of land and water and the principal rocks and stones have been arranged. Primary as is the importance attached to the disposal of garden rocks, they form but the skeleton of the design, and can only satisfactorily fulfil their purpose when embellished with suitable vegetation. In some cases, trees or shrubs are planted so as to branch over and partially conceal these lithic ornaments; in other instances they serve as a background to bring into relief their picturesque shapes. Japanese gardeners studiously avoid regularity in the disposal of vegetation.
