34 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



and about half the size, thus being most suitable for 

 decorative purposes in a cut state. 



The best place for the cactus Dahlias in the garden 

 must be determined by the varieties selected and the 

 purpose for which they are intended. If the object is to 

 beautify the garden those varieties only which are recom- 

 mended for that purpose should be selected, and in the 

 majority of cases the preferable course will be to plant 

 them in mixed borders. In this case there will be an 

 abundance of other flowers until the Dahlias come into 

 bloom, and from the time they reach this stage until the 

 frost causes a check to tender vegetation they will contribute 

 liberally to the floral display. In spacious borders they may 

 be arranged in triplets to form bold groups, each group con- 

 sisting of one variety, but in those of small size it is best to 

 plant them singly. Arranged in borders wholly devoted to 

 them, these garden cactus Dahlias are both attractive and 

 interesting, provided due consideration is given to the height 

 of the plants and the colours of the flowers. Medium-sized 

 beds on the lawn are very attractive when filled with one 

 variety, and that of moderate height and free in flowering. 



Dahlias required for the production of blooms for 

 exhibitions should be given a position in the kitchen 

 garden or other out-of-the-way place where they will not 

 be conspicuous from the house or the principal paths in 

 the pleasure grounds, as breadths of Dahlias are not par- 

 ticularly attractive when grown in conditions most favour- 

 able to the full development of exhibition blooms. The 

 preparation of the soil and the distance at which the plants 

 are arranged must be in accordance with the directions 

 that are given in the chapters devoted to these details. 



