The smaller contemporary lots or parcels would be more proportionate to mature tract homes from the 1950s but are mostly filled by larger modern homes. Many have more space within the foyer to grow a large weeping fig than space in the front garden to grow a very small crepe myrtle tree. Why do architects try to impress with an opulent foyer and porch when a minuscule front garden implies that a mobile home should have been installed on the site?

Of course, gardening within such confinement presents certain difficulties to those who venture beyond the foyer. The most obvious difficulty is that only trees that are small or midsized when mature are proportionate to large homes on small lots. The limbs and roots of larger trees would become overwhelming, likely damaging roofs or surface pavement, because there is no "safe distance" at which to plant such trees. Unfortunately, "micro-trees" have consequently become too popular. Although they are proportionate to any home, they may not be substantial enough or proportionate to modern homes and their foyers.

Some of the most popular micro-trees include crepe myrtle, purple-leaf plum, Japanese maple, flowering pear and Tristania laurina (which lacks a common name). They are all appropriate for many applications but have become common and mundane. Some midsized trees, such as red maple, goldenrain tree, Chinese tallow tree and gingko, can fit into rather small spaces but may eventually exhibit buttressed roots near the surface of the soil. Such damage would not be noticed in a larger garden but is more obvious when space is so limited.

Many new landscapes that "come with" new homes often include trees that will become too large, such as Chinese pistache or London plane. This is because the landscape was designed to mature quickly to make a new home more appealing; the designer may not know or care what happens to the trees after the home sells. (I think everyone knows how I feel about that topic!)

Sun exposure is the second most common problem among large homes on small lots. Sun exposure at soil level between homes may be limited by proximity of adjacent shading homes and their height. Some are so close together and tall (because of a second story) that only species that prefer shade may be grown between the homes. Of course, the space between homes is typically very narrow and provides access between front and rear gardens, and is consequently paved completely or simply not landscaped.

Although front gardens are typically smaller than rear gardens, they are typically more exposed because the street in front provides no shade like the house or fence behind does. Southern exposures are the sunniest, especially during summer, when the sun is highest and can be seen from even the narrowest of spaces. Eastern exposures are sunny during the morning but protected from hot exposure during the afternoon. Western exposures are shaded during morning but may become uncomfortably warm during the afternoon for species that prefer shade. Shade from tall homes may be too dark on northern exposures even for rhododendrons to bloom.


Flower of the Week: Bear's breech

Bear's breech, Acanthus mollis, has already finished bloom, but the fading of previously lush, dark green foliage currently concerns some garden enthusiasts. It unfortunately does that this time of year and may be "cut back" before new foliage emerges. Occasional deep watering may help retain its summer greenery. The glossy, deeply lobed leaves are about 2 feet long and originate from basal rosettes. Established but unwanted bear's breech may be difficult to eradicate but is very easily divided into smaller specimens during autumn or winter. Eighteen-inch-long spikes of pale or blushed white, tubular flowers top 2- or 3-foot-tall floral stems. Foliage may scorch if overexposed.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408-358-2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.