Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 268 Thinking Critically 1. How would you explain the benefi ts and drawbacks of planting only crabapple trees that do not bear fruit? 2. How would you explain to someone why certain tree species should not be planted near a structure? 3. How could landscaping contribute to helping reduce food shortages? Suggested Activities 1. You and your business partner are landscaping a property that is located close to a noisy highway. The noise is unpleasant to the client and he or she would like a quiet backyard. How can this be achieved with plants? Work with a partner to fi nd a solution. 2. Design a hedge to be used to separate property lines from an adjacent property in a residential neighborhood. The property line measures 195′. Be sure to include the number of plants that it will take to install the hedge. 3. Form groups of 4 to 5, and identify examples of screens, borders, foundation plants, or mass plantings. You may photograph examples in your neighborhood or fi nd landscape photos online. As a group, discuss whether the effectiveness is optimized and, if not, determine the steps necessary to correct it. Create a visual presentation for the class. 4. You have a bed that you wish to plant in ajuga. It is recommended that the plants be planted 18″ off center (OC). The rectangular bed measures 20′ × 30′. How many plants will you need to install the bed? 5. Working in groups of 2 to 4, design an edible landscape for a small area at your school. Include a variety of edibles that will become available during different seasons of the year. 6. Review the NALP’s indoor plant identifi cation list. Obtain images of the plants listed and create a visual presentation. The images may also be used to create fl ashcards. Include the botanical and common names on the back of the cards. 7. Expand on the preceding activity by including pathogens, pests, and cultural damage that are common problems with indoor plants. 8. Identify and sketch the different forms of fl owers and how they affect reproduction. Include the seeds and fruit of the plant and summarize their functions.