THE GARDEN AT HOME 



selves, and let the others have also a bed to themselves. 

 At least, do not mix plants that are grown for the sake 

 of their leaves alone with those whose claim to distinction 

 is in their blossom. I would not say that a group of 

 Acacia lophantha upon a ground covering of silvery- 

 leaved Artemisia was out of place, but use red Geraniums, 

 yellow Calceolarias, or any other flowers you choose in 

 place of the Acacia, and the result will be entirely different. 

 I venture to state that, as a rule, the beauty of one 

 plant is not enhanced by its association with another. 

 There are exceptions, I am free to admit, or else, with 

 due regard to the old adage, how could one formulate 

 the rule ? You may show me spring flower-beds gay 

 with scarlet Tulips above a ground planting of white 

 Arabis, yellow Tulips equally gaudy above a ground 

 planting of blue Forget-me-not, yet, while I am not 

 unmoved at the display of blossom, and, it may be, the 

 congruous association of colour, I make bold to con- 

 fute you, and say that your planting is fundamentally 

 wrong. That were the Tulip and Hyacinth blooms not 

 too big for their leaves, which undoubtedly they are, 

 there would be no need for a ground covering of other 

 blossom. In support of my contention, let me ask if 

 a flower-bed filled with Daffodils and Daffodils alone is 

 not an exquisite picture ? I shall, I am sure, compel 

 you to admit that no ground planting could possibly 

 add to its charm, while it is conceivable that it might 

 easily prove a detraction. 



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