BEDDING PLANTS 225 



The Verbena is one of the best of all bedders, 

 being a very free and constant bloomer, and having 

 intensely rich and beautiful colors. 



Tea Roses deserve a place in every garden, and 

 will be spoken of, at greater length, in another chapter. 



Among foliage plants, the most popular is the 

 Coleus. Very striking results can be brought about 

 by its use. By planting it close together and keeping 

 the plants cut in closely, solid effects of color can be 

 obtained. The colors being so varied, and so distinct, 

 it is much used in carpet bedding in which a set pattern 

 is worked out. 



The Achyranthes and Alternanthera are brilliant 

 little plants which bear cutting in and trimming well, 

 and therefore are extensively used in producing "pat- 

 tern" effects. 



The Centaurea has a soft gray leaf, which con- 

 trasts well with the Coleus, and is used in connection 

 with it. 



Golden Feverfew is also used extensively for 

 bedding purposes. 



All the plants named, except Achyranthes and 

 Alternanthera, should be set one foot apart. These 

 should be six inches apart. 



Rapid growers must be trimmed frequently to 

 keep them from getting the start of such kinds as 

 are of slower growth, in order to produce satisfactory 

 results in carpet bedding. You want a smooth, even 

 surface, in which all the colors have a chance to 

 equally display themselves. 



In choosing "designs" do not make the mistake of 

 selecting intricate or elaborate ones. Leave them to 

 the professional gardener. Simple effects, depending 

 largely on broad contrasts of color rather than on 

 complexity of "pattern" for effectiveness, are much 

 better adapted to the amateur's use. 



