SUMMER BEDDING 



THERE are many to whom masses of bright colour in the 

 flower garden still appeal, despite the great popularity now 

 enjoyed by hardy plants, and to none perhaps are they more 

 welcome than to the owners of small gardens, who, not having 

 sufficient space for a good herbaceous border, are glad to 

 avail themselves of " bedders " to produce a bright, attractive 

 display of flowers and foliage. 



Summer bedding, i.e. the employment of certain plants for 

 filling beds in the flower garden during the summer months, 

 may be conveniently divided into two classes, (i.) Where an 

 effect is obtained by the association of several kinds of plants, 

 and (2.) where the aim is to produce a mass of colour by 

 means of filling a bed with but two or three different subjects. 

 The former arrangement usually called " Mixed Bedding," 

 we will first consider. 



MIXED BEDDING 



Many charming results can be obtained by this practice if 

 the plants are carefully selected and judiciously arranged. 



The size of the garden will, of course, determine the 

 nature and composition of the beds. If the former is small, 

 then obviously it would be unwise to have large beds. 

 Their effect and beauty would be lost, and the smallness of 

 the garden accentuated. We must therefore be content with 

 small beds and dwarf plants, leaving the introduction of tall 

 and vigorous growing subjects to those having more extensive 

 domains. This does not, however, imply that good effects 

 cannot be obtained by means of small beds ; on the contrary 

 delightful arrangements can be made in the latter. We will 

 now mention a few of the most suitable plants for mixed 

 bedding, and afterwards give examples of their use. 



FOR SMALL BEDS 



Abutilons in variety, including the beautiful variegated 

 ones, A. Thompsoni and A. Souvenir de Bonn. The Abutilons 

 make most charming subjects for small beds, their flowers 

 ranging through a great variety of colours. 



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