ABSTRACT
There are important areas of overlap between structural and decorative functions of plants and designer need to consider visual composition when detailing framework planting and to take account of the space forming qualities of ornamental planting. New amenity forest and woodland planting are usually on a smaller scale than commercial forestry, but none the less make a major contribution to the visual and ecological qualities of the landscape. The basic unit of forest and woodland design is the planting mix. This is the mixture of trees and shrubs that are planted in a particular area. Clumps and copses are compact, contained patches of woodland or forest; but the words do have slightly different connotations. The design of woodland belts can be approached in the same way as larger plantations. Hedges and hedgerows are familiar and characteristic features of large parts of the agricultural landscape in lowland Britain and, to a lesser extent, of other countries.
