FLOWERS OF ALL SEASONS 189 



wild, should be the aim. Observe any field of 

 daisies and buttercups, of clover and daisies, 

 or of any common wild growth, and you will 

 find a perfect model. Masses of each will stand 

 by themselves, crowded in places, thin else- 

 where, and finally giving way gradually to the 

 other, with here and there a fugitive specimen 

 venturing quite beyond its kind into the other's 

 preserve. Follow this idea generally in the bor- 

 der, and indeed in all group planting whether 

 of flowers, shrubs, or trees. A single specimen, 

 such as peony or boltonia, may stand alone and 

 independent now and then of course, but ordi- 

 narily everything should be massed — and the 

 masses should meet graciously. 



Color seems to be a stumbling block some- 

 times, whatever way it is considered. But this 

 is because it is over-considered or not really 

 considered at all, I fancy. An idea that because 

 it is color in flowers it will take care of itself 

 and because Nature seems to use it carelessly 

 one may do the same, is too prevalent for one 

 thing, while a lack of boldness is characteristic 

 of another school of specialists. Colors that are 

 inharmonious are inharmonious anywhere and 

 in any medium; and Nature only seems to use 

 color carelessly. She is a consummate artist be 

 it remembered, and can do with dash and im- 



