148 HOW TO PLAN THE HOME GROUNDS 



special value to the appearance of the general mass. 

 Naturally, it would depend on the skill of the designer, 

 or composer, whether such a combination of the colors 

 and forms of bedding plants would result in an artistic 

 symphony or not, but there can be no question that 

 the possibilities of fine effect would be great, far more 

 than enough to tempt one to undertake a careful study 

 of the existing environment and materials. 



In the ordinary flower-garden, effects like these are 

 entirely in order; indeed, more freedom of design may 

 be displayed here than in most places, as the environ- 

 ment is simpler, and less complicated by surrounding 

 scenery. If people would come to feel that badly placed 

 and designed foliage-beds were as inartistic and as bad 

 in their way as bad paintings, we would soon have more 

 bedding effects that would be altogether admirable. 



There remains only a few words to be said concerning 

 the general quality of materials that can be effectively 

 and satisfactorily used in foliage or color beds. It 

 seems to be a fact, to begin with, that there are a great 

 many plants often recommended for use in such beds 

 that do not, and cannot, secure the brilliant and defined 

 splendor of color and form that should characterize all 

 designs of this kind. 



The writer will not attempt to mention, much less de- 

 scribe, all the different kinds of plants that are suitable 

 for bedding, but rather to point out certain qualities of 

 a few notable species that mark their fitness for the 

 purpose, and illustrate the special range of quality bed- 

 ding materials should possess. Probably the geranium 

 is the most popular bedding plant in this country, for it 

 has a picturesque form, finely shaded leaf, and brilliant- 

 looking flowers, although too much stress should not be 



