GO BEUIIING PLANTS. 



even the Uielylra speotabilis — three of the most brilliant of recent introductions, — 

 would be found wanting; for although the last will bloom for a considerable period, 

 it is generally out of flower at the time most of the autumn bedding plants are in 

 their glory. 



Now, it is one of the advantages of the mingled bed or border system, 

 that it excludes no class of plants from cultivation ; all are available, from 

 the earliest bulb which tells us spring is born, to the Chrysanthemum, ' the 

 last rose of summer,' and contribute in their turn to the interest of the scene. 

 It is true that the beauty of some of our early flowers is often shortlived, 



but 



' The fading of one hope's delight ' 



is quickly followed by 



' Another's gentle birth ' ; 



and if the arrangement of a bed of mixed subjects, in such a manner that no 

 vacancy to any extent shall occur throughout the entire summer and autumn, 

 may be even more difficult than the harmonious distribution of colours on a 

 larger scale, it will we think be admitted, that not only a combination of 

 this land is quite attainable, but that, if properly made, it would produce 

 an effect which, if inferior in a mere colorific point of view, would be far 

 more interesting to the true amateur, than an acre of scarlet geraniums or 

 verbenas. 



It is, however, rather against the abuse of the bedding system, than the 

 principle on which it is founded, that we venture to raise our voice — for 

 that a better effect is produced by groups of some size than by single specimens 

 of any plant, is incontestable; but this principle may be carried out without 

 necessarily sacrificing three or four square yards to a single variety or species, 

 and is as applicable to the mixed border as to the geometrical parterre. 



For small gardens, we therefore venture to recommend the adoption of clumps 

 or masses of only moderate size, whether the plants be arranged in a mixed 

 border, or form part of a smaller bed. "We have given in our previous numbers 

 lists of the best hardy and half-hardy annuals, suitable either for the beds or 

 borders, and we now append a supplementary list of some of the most desirable 

 plants for clumping; in addition to the more tender ones usually employed for 

 this purpose, it comprises some valuable hardy subjects, and will therefore be 

 useful to those of our readers who may be enquiring for a selection of these. 



Abronia umbellata— This is a very protty Californian perennial, nearly hardy, with heads of pale 

 purple flowers, of a vanilla-like fragrance. It is of weak, procumbent habit, hut does not succeed 

 so well when allowed to trail on the ground as against a wall or dry bank ; in such situations it 

 will give satisfaction. Kequires sandy peat, and is increased both by seed and cuttings ; flowers in 

 August and September ; seedlings will bloom the first season. 



