PLANTING OUT IN BEDS, ETC. 43 



plants within bounds. Before starting, it is well to 

 make out a list of those to be planted, and so arrange 

 that the colour of each variety harmonises with that of 

 its neighbours, or plant with a view to good contrasts 

 being obtained. For, although the beds are made in a 

 rectangular shape from the point of view of utility, 

 there is no need to bind oneself down by planting in 

 alphabetical order or anything of that sort. Little, if 

 any, good purpose is served in so doing, and although 

 in shape the bed may look somewhat formal and severe, 

 yet this may be taken off to a certain extent if the 

 colours are well blended or contrasted. Dark varieties 

 should not be planted together, but the colour broken 

 up by using a lighter colour between, and so on. 



When the plants have been propagated by the grower, 

 they will experience little or no check, and rapidly form 

 fine plants, if lifted and planted in a proper manner. A 

 small trowel should be used to remove the young plants 

 from the propagating frame. A small trowel, such as 

 bricklayers use, answers the purpose splendidly. Being 

 flat and sharp, it can be inserted on either side between 

 the rows, and the plant to be lifted removed without 

 danger of damaging any of the other plants. 



For planting purposes a board about I foot wide 

 should be requisitioned. This will serve a triple 

 purpose, namely, to keep the rows straight, maintain 

 the rows the same and proper distance apart, and last, 

 but not least, to kneel or stand on when planting, to 

 prevent the soil in the bed being trampled down too 

 much. 



Starting at the left hand side of the bed and using the 

 board as a guide, six holes should be made about 10 inches 

 apart. A vessel containing some leaf mould or spent 

 manure, with plenty of road grit incorporated therewith, 

 should be placed handy, and a little placed in each hole. 

 To secure immunity from green fly, etc., each plant, 



