COLOR IN THE GARDEN 83 



Primary colors may be used together if only small amounts are 

 employed. It is not a good idea to have several shades of the same hue 

 together, as in a bed of variously colored Geraniums where all clamor 

 for supremacy. This is the same result as a discord in music. Plants 

 should be separated into two factors, those possessing a dominant 

 note, and those of a modifying note, the latter giving a suggestion of 

 some other color, but still holding to the color scheme. Accent plants 

 should appear not among the filler plants, but either in the background 

 or in the facer row. Plant material in a border should be used in about 

 the following proportions: Filler material, four parts; interest material, 

 two parts; accent material, one part (Fig. 78). Keep pink and orange 

 away from mottled fohage. Use white in good-sized areas — not in 

 Httle patches. 



METHODS OF USING COLORS IN A GARDEN 



(1) To show a single color throughout the season. (2) To show 

 one single color in a color scheme extending throughout the season. 

 (3) To provide combinations changing throughout the season. (4) To 

 create a gradual trend of color from end to end. 



Distance tends to soften colors. Contrasting colors give emphasis 

 to each other. Opposite colors give good contrast. Intermediate 

 colors tend to produce a discord. White is a peacemaker — it can 

 be used with any color. Bright colors can be used in exposed places; 

 dark colors should be used in shaded places. Blue and purple will 

 not reflect in a pool; use straw colors. Blue, next to magenta, is 

 most diflScult to use. 



The Formal Garden 



rules and suggestions for its design 

 (See Figs. 80, 81 and 82) 



1. Formal gardening should be attempted only on relatively small 

 areas. For the ordinary family garden one-quarter to one-half acre 

 would be the maximum allowance; for a very pretentious private 

 mansion, one to two acres; for large public grounds, three to five acres. 

 Best results are usually secured on areas considerably smaller than 

 these maxima. 



2. The area should be rectangular or nearly so. Circular or semi- 

 circular areas can sometimes be designed, but they are difl&cult. 



