98 THE CANADIAN HORTICULTUllIST. 



(beds without corners are easiest.) Divide this into quarters by running 

 a line both ways across the centre. Fill each quarter alternately with 

 red and white phlox drummondi, that is two of white and two of red, 

 this with a border of Tagetes (yellow) will make a handsome bed, and 

 the plants are of the easiest raised. In planting out save a few plants 

 of each color, and when the plants in the bed begin to flower, if any 

 appear of a different color from wliat they are intended, remove them 

 carefully and replace them with some of tlie reserve. The best way 

 in which to do tliis is to take out the wrong plants in the bed, and dig 

 a hole to receive the new ones, disturbing the roots as little as possible, 

 and showing no trace of tlie exchange. If you plant close you may 

 be able to remove a few plants and spread the others over the space. 



Another plan for a bed is to plant in what may be termed ribbon 

 fashion. Plant around the bed in bauds of not less than eighteen 

 inches, and in the space between you may fill up with any colors that 

 will form a good contrast. You may use a white as often as you like, 

 having a dark between, or a red, having a light between. Put a border 

 around the outside of some stiff, erect growing plant, such as dwarf 

 blue ageratum, which you can always trim a little on tlie outer edge 

 to keep it from falling over the walk or grass. It is well to have the 

 lines or masses as large as possible, as when they are small and narrow 

 they run together and lose effect. When the plants grow, peg them 

 down, covering all the naked portions of the bed, and draw them into 

 the form you want. Pegging down has another advantage, as it causes 

 the plants to throw out laterals, and gives you a more solid mass of 

 flowers, and should not be neglected. 



A border that is straight gives a fine chance to show a ribbon, and 

 may be done by the same plants in the same manner as described for 

 ribbon bed. This kind of work can be carried out with other plants, 

 but the phlox drummondi is the best of all annuals for this purpose, is 

 easy to grow, gives flowers for nearly three months, is almost a solid 

 mass of color, and rarely disappoints the grower. If anyone wants a 

 plan for a more intricate bed, I shall be most happy to give it through 

 the Canadian Houticulturist. 



Note. — We hope that our readers will avail tliemselves of Mr, 

 Robertson's knowledge and experience in flower culture, and learn 

 intelligently to beautify their homes with these cheerful gems of nature. 



