FOREWORD 



The quality of charm in colour is like the human attribute known as 

 fascination, "whereof," says old Cotton Mather, "men have more 

 experience than comprehension." — Alice Morse Earl. 



In his garden every man may be his own artist without 

 apology or explanation. Here is one spot where each 

 may experience the "romance of possibility," may give free 

 rein to his fancy, and gather his living materials into composi- 

 tions as gay, as splendid, or as wan as his individual enjoy- 

 ment of colour dictates. "Parterres embroidered like a 

 petticoat" are for some; gardens tricked out in all the 

 tints and shades of a single colour are for others; still others 

 find their pleasure in a throng of many-hued flowers smiling 

 with the naivete of an old-fashioned bouquet in defiance of 

 criticism. And there are many like myself who know the 

 delight of seeking to fashion, from the myriad shades and 

 diverse forms laid to our hand, a series of lovely pictures to 

 rejoice the eyes throughout the growing year. No phase of 

 gardening is to me so fascinating as this scheming with 

 flower colours, the more so perhaps that no arbitrary laws 

 may be laid down for our following. Each within his 

 green inclosure is a creator, and no two shall reach the same 

 conclusion; nor shall we, any more than other creative 

 workers, be ever wholly satisfied with our accomplishment. 



