88 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



plants in large masses; and while the pleasure obtained by 

 the growth and study of these plants is often very great, 

 the effect produced is sometimes not quite in keeping with 

 the quiet beauty of the refined home. It often partakes 

 more of the nature of " loud dress," much avoided by all 

 people of good taste. Gaudy pattern-beds covering large 

 areas standing out conspicuously on the lawn with nothing 

 to cause a blending of color cannot be considered in good 

 taste, but if placed so that more moderate colors grouped 

 near may tone down their intensity they may not be ob- 

 jectionable. 



Small groups of the more brilliantly colored foliage-plants 

 or of those with beautiful flowers placed in retired nooks 

 with a good background, along the borders of walks, or 

 close up to the veranda with a good extent of lawn often 

 add brightness to a scene that can be produced in no other 

 way. These bedding-plants, well started under glass, pro- 

 duce effect during the entire season which cannot be 

 obtained from perennial plants or shrubs. They often show 

 color or begin to bloom soon after setting out and continue 

 until cut off by frost. 



They are comparatively inexpensive if purchased from 

 the commercial grower, or many of them are easily and 

 cheaply grown with only the facilities of a small hotbed or 

 a few sunny windows. 



Intricate figures and designs often seen in public grounds 

 and large estates should not be attempted on small places, 

 for, besides being unsuited to such limited areas, they will 

 detract from other features whatever of beauty they may 

 possess. 



