BOUQUET-MAKING 



white Dahlia are harmonious so far as mere 

 color goes, and the contrast may be exception- 

 ally fine, but such a combination is not pleas- 

 ing because there is an utter lack of harmony 

 in the habit of the two flowers. If two are used, 

 one must be content to play a subordinate part 

 by serving as a foil to the other, thus heighten- 

 ing and emphasizing its beauty by contrast. 

 Use a spray of wild Clematis with Roses and 

 the effect is delightful, because the white of the 

 Clematis brings out the color of the Roses 

 vividly, but it, in itself, is unobtrusive. It is a 

 background accessory in the composition of 

 the picture. Its part may be a secondary one, 

 and yet it is absolutely necessary that it should 

 play it in order to bring out the full beauty and 

 meaning of your picture. But were you to sub- 

 stitute a Lily for the Clematis you would find 

 the effect much less pleasing because there 

 would be instant rivalry for supremacy be- 

 tween Rose and Lily. Neither would consent 

 to occupy a subordinate position. In fact, 

 neither could do so, if inclined to, because of 

 the equal prominence of both flowers. There- 

 fore learn from this the wisdom of not attempt- 

 ing to combine flowers of equal or compara- 

 tive importance. Sweet Peas are delightful 



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