44 THE ROSE GARDEN. 



the construction of the beds : the simple forms recommended to the Amateur for 

 Roses on stems maybe cast aside. The effect of planting masses of colour is truly 

 splendid, and such as cannot be accomplished simply by a mixture of varieties. 



Let us suppose a group of beds formed on a lawn •within sight of the drawing- 

 room, and filled with the freest flowering Roses. Let Chinese Fabvier (scarlet) 

 fill one bed ; Bourbon Queen (salmon) another ; Paul Joseph (purple and crim- 

 son) a third ; Le Pactole (yellow) a fourth ; and, in continuation, selecting kinds 

 to introduce as agreeable a contrast of colour as possible, and of as nearly equal 

 growth, as the form of the series of beds may require. If we prefer Summer 

 Roses, there are kinds among them quite as suitable for the purpose. Can we 

 doubt the effect of this mode of planting ? Could we introduce a more agreeable 

 feature to the Flower Garden ? If formed of the Autumnals, we have flowers 

 springing forth in the earliest of Summer, and continuing to blossom till Novem- 

 ber ; bidding defiance to the slight frosts of Autumn, which check or destroy the 

 less hardy races, that contribute so much to the beautifying of the garden. 



In small gardens, where variety is desirable, a bed of moderate, or large size, 

 pi-oduces probably a more agreeable effect than numerous small beds : the latter 

 are, however, better, if well-contrasted masses of colour are desired. 



Standard Roses, planted in lines running parallel with garden- walks, are shewn 

 to great advantage, and this method is in many cases to be recommended ; the 

 borders beneath being planted with herbaceous plants, or others of humble 

 growth. 



There is one practice which has been too frequently adopted in planting Roses 

 singly on lawns, that of placing the turf close up to and around the stems imme- 

 diately after planting : this cannot be too highly deprecated. The starved and 

 unhealthy appearance the plants usually present tells unmistakeably their dislike 

 of such treatment. Why, then, should they be submitted to it ? Were they 

 allowed to become thoroughly established, the turf might then be laid on without 

 producing such injurious consequences. But it is desirable to avoid even this. 

 For of what avail, we ask, can the soft genial showers of spring be, or even the 

 heavier rains of summer, to the roots of a tree, when they have first to pass 

 through the thirsty turf, and give sustenance to the blades composing it. And 

 again, the turfing of the ground prevents in some measure the air from permeating 

 the soil, which practice proves so beneficial to the growth of plants. It may be 

 said that an open space round a plant on a lawn is objectionable ; but this may be 

 overcome by placing a few white flints or burs on the soil ; or sowing it with 

 Annuals of small growth, Avhich would diversify and add to the beauty of the 

 garden. 



Some varieties of Roses, which form large heads when grown as Standards, 

 look well planted in avenues. 



In small gardens, Standards of various kinds may be planted completely round 

 the outside of the lawn, at equal or various distances. 



