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Advantage Quote by Penelope Hobhouse

“The ideal garden is one in which a collection of trees, shrubs and plants have been procured and allotted to the best space available and are so arranged and tended that they are seen to their advantage, each in relation to the other. Every plant, of whatever shape or size, should be chosen not…” quote by Penelope Hobhouse
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“The ideal garden is one in which a collection of trees, shrubs and plants have been procured and allotted to the best space available and are so arranged and tended that they are seen to their advantage, each in relation to the other. Every plant, of whatever shape or size, should be chosen not only for its individual merits but for its power to enhance the charms of neighbouring plants by contrast or combination in foliage or in flower colour.”

Penelope Hobhouse

About This Quote

Source Book: Garden Design by Penelope Hobhouse, 1995

A garden should be arranged so each plant enhances its neighbors, creating harmony through contrast and combination.

In simple terms: Plants should complement each other.

Key Takeaway

Design for harmony.

Themes

garden design plant selection aesthetics

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

instructional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • landscaping
  • urban gardens
  • public parks

Key Concepts

ecology visual balance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you apply this principle to team building?
  • What trade‑offs arise when prioritizing harmony?
A Different Perspective

Choosing plants solely for individual merit may ignore ecosystem needs.

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