PLANTING 207 



so much material to command, the designer can 

 arrange delicate harmonies or brilliant contrasts, 

 and this without the old unavoidable expense of 

 storing through the winter ; and no better treat- 

 ment than broad masses of bright colour can be 

 devised for formal beds near the house. Many a 

 garden must now be regretting the destruction of 

 stately designs on lawn and terrace, destroyed in 

 disgust at the vulgarizing of bedding, and the weari- 

 some struggle to secure sufficient plants. The draw- 

 ing on page 14 shows a noble design on a lawn 

 below a high terrace. Box edging outlines the beds 

 and enhances the colouring. The' clear circle of 

 grass at one end is a touch of high artistic value. 

 Of course such a design is only suitable for a fine 

 building, and spacious grounds, and given these 

 it is a worthy part of the garden. 



The characteristics of a plant suitable for bed- 

 ding are neat habit, clear colours, and continu- 

 ous blooming. In making out bedding schemes 

 too many colours should not be combined, or the 

 general brilliance is lost. To obviate flatness 

 " dot " plants, such as standard fuchsias and 

 heliotropes, or trained plumbagos, or tall foliage 

 plants can be introduced, but this must be done 

 discreetly or the bright ground colour will be veiled. 

 A certain amount of plants beautiful for foliage 

 should be used, as in the uncertain English climate 

 it is as well to have something reliable, if the 

 summer proves unfavourable to flowers. More- 



