Carlos gave a pretty eloquent description of what looks to me like two smooth green mounds with some rust-colored eruptions. The plants appear very healthy and the aquarium is obviously well cared for, but I agree with Shane and Bert that the overall impression is one of uniformity and meticulous pruning.
This aquascape is a case where I think the planting can be simplified a lot without losing the effect. Personally I don't see the nuances that Carlos describes in the choice and gradation of stem plants. I see rather uniform round mounds of green. The aquascape uses 12 different plants, but I see roles for only 3 (or maybe 4) plants in this aquascape; one to form the mounds, one to form the rust-colored eruptions and one for the foreground. The role of the mid-ground plants here is optional, but I would not use more than one. As it is the mid-ground plants help obscure the low stone work but are otherwise not very prominent. The transition role of the midground could be performed by more visible rock work with the foreground and background plants peaking through and around the stones. Or the stones could just be taken out and their absence wouldn't effect the aquascape much at all.
Roger Miller |