an interesting booklet, entitled, Growing with Trees. The editor has produced a wealth of information, within the allotted space, detailing the pros and cons of native, endemic, ornamental and invasive plant material.

While such information is educational, and indeed important to disseminate, it can perhaps, be limiting in its interpretation. Gardens are found in many shapes and forms, and so it follows that the material used will also cover a wide range of candidates.

However, the term invasive can be deceptive in its connotation. Under the heading of invasive plants, several plants are mentioned, which in my opinion, are not truly invasive plants, are not truly invasive in the truest sense of the word, and therefore, could well be in danger of being lost to the landscape. One of the first principles of garden design, is simply, desired in many gardens; how often do we see `weeds' being ejected from flower beds, footpaths, or walls. How often do we see plants being placed in the wrong location for them to grow properly! Remembering, that a weed is a plant that is growing in the wrong location for whatever reason, then it should come to pass, that maintenance is often the key to garden husbandry.

It is all to easy to refer to a tree as a dirty tree or a weed tree, but the twist in the tail, is in the very nature of the beast. Casuarinas are regarded by most people as a `weed' tree, yet it is one of the hardiest plants in the landscape, standing up to wind and salt spray. If I may be so bold as to suggest that the Casuarinas planted at the Royal Naval Dockyard, make statements in their own right, and add much to the surrounding landscape, especially when viewed from the water! Asparagus sprengeri is a rampant ground cover, but to cover a piece of waste land one can ask for nothing better, and without it, what would flower arrangers do for their greenery! Allspice (Pimenta dioica) has many attributes and should be considered for a place in the garden; it has evergreen leaves which are fragrant when crushed, an attractive bark, interesting flowers which produce bold coloured seeds, an instant impact plant either planted on its own or better still -- if room allows -- a group planting.

To refer to the sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), is I believe a little myopic, as a ground cover it does a wonderful job, and has an attractive leaf outline, and will grow in shade. When planted against foliage of a different shape and colour, one has the start of a creative design.

While a good cross section of the list can well be described as invasive, including Indian laurel (Ficus retusa), Cow cane (Arundo donax), Morning glory (Ipomoea sp) and Jumbie bean (Leucaena leucocephala), not all can be classified as such.

Butterfly bush (Buddleia madagascariensis) though a rampant grower, does not `invade' areas outside its domain, the same can be said for Mock orange (Murraya exotica) which I would plant as an ornamental. An interesting plant for climbing into trees and hedgerows is the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), in its younger life the leaves are on the small side, but as it matures the leaves can attain the size of `elephants ears'. The leaves are usually variegated and create an interesting statement when found in a mature state surrounded by plants with different foliage. As it matures growth tends to increase, covering its subject in a blanket of green and white foliage; but again it does not invade surrounding areas.

One of my favourite trees for the landscape, Pride of India (Melia azederach) indeed bears many seeds, but overall, it is a very majestic plant, either as a single specimen or in a group planting. The bark, flowers and foliage are all attractive, and the seed gives the silhouette an haunting effect when viewed against a grey sky.

The list of ornamental trees and shrubs covers almost three dozen subjects, unfortunately many of them are presently unavailable from the local nurseries, to wit, Akee (Blighia sapida), Macadamaia integfrifolia), Tamarind (Tamarindus Indica) and Persimmon (diospyros Kaki). Hopefully this void can be filled in the future, as all the above are certainly worth growing, in the right location.

I note with interest, that Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is recommended as a fruit tree -- it is a plant I use in many locations for various effects However, this `animal' more so perhaps, than several of those classified as invasive, would in my mind be part of that list, given the apparent criteria for the invasive plant list! It is a similar story with natives and endemics, in the right location they create a wonderful setting, but again many of those mentioned are difficult to come by, as they are grown in small numbers or not at all. Many of the endemics and natives grow best in specific areas, and in my opinion look their best when planted in groups. The majesty of a mature group of Palmettos (Sabal Bermudiana) can carry any landscape, whilst the roundish silhouette of Olivewood bark (Cassine laneanum) fills an open space with dignity and character.

Lest we forget, trees are for growing; many have mechanical means of dispersing their seeds, whilst others present no problem in their own habitat.

Design should be based on careful choice, for the desired location of each and ever subject, but one must keep in mind the old adage, `what you create you have to maintain'. Look hard and long at the maintenance programme for our property, for that is where the crux of the problem may well lie. Look at it from the point of view, that man can be part of the problem or he can be part of the solution. How many times have plants be located in the wrong spot due to a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.

It is refreshing to see the Ministry of the Environment publishing information which impacts on our small and fragile habitat, it is a topic for consideration and deliberation, and should read accordingly. We have a finite land-mass, to use it wisely should be out gift to future generations.

MALCOLM D. GRIFFITHS