FLOWERING AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 213 



PLANTS FOR CARPET BEDS. 



In choosing these, those of contrasting colors should 

 be brought together. The parts appearing dark and 

 ligliter in the engravings, just given, will readily suggest 

 how colors may be used in different parts. No precise 

 rule, however, can be laid doAvn for this, and variations 

 without end are allowable if made with good taste. 



Where a hight of nine inches and upwards of a solid 

 mass of color is desired, the Coleus, Achyranthes, Ge- 

 ranium, Centaurea, Variegated Stevia, Gnaphalium, 

 Abutilon Thompsoni, and so forth, are among the best 

 that can be used. When plants of a lower growth are 

 desired, say from four to eight inches, the following are 

 suitable : Alternantheras, Golden-Feather Pyrethrums, 

 Variegated Thyme of several kinds, Alyssum in several 

 varieties, Lobelia, Dwarf Ageratum, Cigar plant (Cuphea) 

 and Golden and Silver-edged Geraniums. 



For forming a low carpet, Othonna sedifolia {crassi- 

 folia of some). Dew Plant {Mesemhryanthemum) in two 

 varieties, Echeveria {Cotyledon) secunda glauca, Pilea 

 serpyllifolia. Moneywort, Leucophyton, the prostrate 

 Sedums, all of low-trailing habit, rarely growing more 

 than two inches high, are the most valuable. 



For low edgings the Alternantheras, Thymes, Alys- 

 sums, Golden Feather, Leucophyton, Echeverias and 

 others are suitable. Sometimes these kinds are used in 

 beds like those of figures 58 and 59, and also others for 

 making single lines or to mark divisions through plants 

 of low growth. 



For tlie center of beds, or to place at points in the de- 

 sign, the Agaves, Echeverias, Yuccas, Dracenas, Palms, 

 etc., may be used, while something taller yet to occupy 

 a space in tlie middle of beds is found in Caladiums, 

 Cannas, Ricinus, Striped Maize, and others. 



