OF MANY THINGS 205 



pudding as a rule, but nothing can be less effective. 

 Take the usual spring show of cineraria, primula, 

 daffodil, deutzia, azalea mollis, and spiraea. Imagine 

 fifty pots of each all mingled; then separate them, 

 mass each after his kind, and see what an enormously 

 improved effect you have achieved. This may be 

 elementary, but how few regard it. Even such things 

 as acer and ferns, added for the sake of the foliage, I 

 would not muddle up with the flowers, but arrange in 

 groups behind or before them. 



As to cut flowers, a word may be uttered in all 

 humility. My opinion is valueless, but the lady of 

 the garden has ideas on this subject, and they are 

 worth considering. Never allow more than two sorts 

 together under any possible circumstance. Indeed, I 

 think the Japanese would not permit even two ; but 

 certain combinations are so magnificent, that two 

 may be conceded if the end justifies the blend. The 

 best effects seem to be won by combinations of light 

 and heavy blossom. Thus good star asters and 

 amaryllis belladonna go very beautifully together ; 

 cactus dahlias and cosmos, or eupatorium, are a 

 pleasant mixture if the colour is properly considered. 

 You want lightness and delicacy of form in the 

 smaller flower, richness of hue and dignity in the 

 larger. Sweet-peas and the finer varieties of heuchera 

 blend nobly; but, of course, you would have peas 

 each of one colour alone. To mix sweet-peas is a 

 relic of the past and not good. Keep them separate in 

 their colours. With roses you must put nothing but 

 their own leaves. Never mix roses. You always do, 



