188 STUDIES IN GARDENING 



be masked by the Lavender, so that it is only seen 

 rising behind it in its prime. Those shrubs vsdll make 

 the best pattern and the best contrast with herbaceous 

 plants which are conspicuous for their glaucous leaves; 

 and these should not be used in too great variety. 

 Three dififerent kinds of shrubs, such as Lavender,^ 

 Rosemary, and the taU Cistus cyprius behind, are 

 quite enough for any border, even the largest. In- 

 deed, if the tall and dwarf Lavender are used in com- 

 bination, they, with the Cistus, wiU make an ex- 

 cellent framework for any border. They should be 

 planted regularly, the dwarf Lavender in the fore- 

 ground directly in front of the Cistus in the back- 

 ground, and the taller Lavender half-way back in the 

 intervals. Shrubs so used should never be allowed to 

 grow straggly, but should be kept symmetrical and 

 compact by clipping. If the reader fears that such 

 a regular arrangement of only two or three kinds of 

 shrubs would look monotonous, he should remember 

 that it can be combined, not only with an infinite 

 variety of herbaceous plants, but also with plants of 

 lasting beauty, such as Pinks, Yuccas, some of the 

 Sea Hollies, and the German Irises, which will help 

 to diversify the permanent design. 



When a border is planned and planted ia this manner, 

 the gardener should not be in too great a hurry for 

 an abundance of flowers. His first object should be 

 to get the plants forming his permanent design well 



' Lavender in the United States needs protection, and C. cyprius is not 

 hardy in the Northern States. L. Y. K. 



