130 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



umbrageous trees ; he would mass the shrubberies, if used, iu 

 groups of a kind for effects of color in flower and foliage ; and, if 

 flowers are used, he would harmonize these, by the introduction 

 of sub-tropical or foliage effects, with the other features of the 

 park, without too glaring a transition from the natural to the 

 artiflcial form of embellishment. To do all this involves a care- 

 ful study of the growth and habits of plants, the proper composi- 

 tion of soils to produce the best results, a knowledge of form and 

 color to properly group and blend the many combinations of leaf 

 and flower that modern introductions have made available, 

 so as to combine effects that will be in harmony, and ])resent a 

 picture that A\ill heighten, and not mar, the main features of the 

 garden. 



In Washington Park, Albany, N.Y., there are no obtrusive con- 

 structions, no bizarre effects in floral design or color, no glaring 

 tones in the foliage, but the general impression made upon the 

 visitor is that of a restful, pleasing landscape, well kept and 

 tastefully arranged ; and yet there is a very generous use of 

 flowers and bedding and sub-tropical plants, supplemented by 

 sjDCcial exhibits of foliage and bench plants in July and August, 

 and chrysanthemums in October and November. In addition to 

 this are shrubbery borders, enlivened with selected perennials, 

 and these are sometimes massed for especial effect of color. 

 Mixed borders have been made in connection with a screen of 

 flowering shrubs as a background (one of the most effective 

 methods of using perennials), the foreground being shaded down 

 to the bordering Avalk by perennials, arranged somewhat as to 

 height. 



Where detached masses of color are desired, this effect is 

 secured by massing Larksj^urs, Hollyhocks, Simflowers, tall 

 Phloxes, Lilies (caudidum and auratum), and Pyrethrums, 

 in solid blocks, each variety in a bed or bay by itself, thus se- 

 curing color effects long after the shrubberies have ceased to 

 bloom. 



In these borders, and generally throughout the park, the plants 

 or groups are properly named, thus affording the public an op- 

 ])ortunity of becoming acquainted with the many varieties of 

 plants used. The following is an extract from my report of the 

 current year to the Board of Commissioners of Washington I'ark, 

 Albany, N.Y. : 



