THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



way from shrubs or evergreens such as yews or 

 cedars, which not only bring out the bright colour- 

 ings of the blooms but also serve as a shelter. 

 At the Royal Gardens, Kew, England, peonies 

 have been successfully used as a setting for the 

 smaller flowers in the rock garden. Unless one's 

 purpose is to make a collection of peonies for com- 

 parison or exhibition, a limited space should not 

 include a large number of varieties differing in 

 colour or time of bloom. 



Peonies placed in lines at the edge of walks 

 or drives give a pleasing finish. In the border 

 they are valuable both for their ornamental foli- 

 age and for their brilliancy when in flower. In a 

 formal garden they are a great aid in accenting 

 the plan : even a few specimens may be used with 

 marked results. In my own garden, the plant- 

 ing of individual peonies at all intersections of 

 the brick walks emphasises the design not only 

 when the plants are in bloom, but, because of the 

 boldness of the leaves, throughout the entire sea- 

 son. And the contrast of the stately white Festiva 

 maxima against the deep green of Chinese cedars 

 gives me a picture eagerly awaited every year and 

 long remembered with delight. 



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