SPECIAL COLOR BORDERS 
(SEE PLAN NO. 20) 
us if all herbs in the bed were to be of one color, say white, red, 
yellow, or blue. Give these a background of refined flowering 
shrubs of a contrasting color, red for the white border, yellow for the 
blue, white for the red or blue, and blue and purple for the yellow border. 
Behind the whole planting put a background of evergreen trees, such 
as Hemlocks or White Pines, and the color picture is complete. 
Though big masses of clear color are the main consideration and the 
finer garden effects are not sought, yet height, season of bloom, habit of 
growth, and leaf texture are also studied. Eight months of bloom are 
to be provided for, and only permanent, hardy, and not too weedy herbs 
and shrubs are suggested. No annuals are used, for there will be only 
occasional weeding and resetting in this planting, as the plants are chosen 
because they are as near to being self-supporting, as well as refined and 
sturdy, as garden plants can be. Each species is to be planted in large, 
uninterrupted masses to get its full color value during its season. Ere 
this has passed away a nearby species takes up the task, and at no time 
will there be a lack of display from mid-March to October. 
This is the main scheme, but endless are the variations, even with 
the same list of plants, and the list of sorts is easily modified. Then 
when actually planted, minor groups and individuals of other colors 
should be added to lend interest and variety and contrast—not affecting 
the main masses of color as seen from a distance, but giving a proper foil 
to the stronger colors when viewed close at hand. The reds will need a 
few white flowers in addition to the white-flowered background, and even 
a few red-flowered shrubs will help the red flowers to shine full value. 
The white bed will be better for touches of pink and pale blue; the yellow 
will be strengthened by pale blue and white with orange to give areas of 
greater intensity, while a blue planting would be lightened by pink, yel- 
low, or white. 
The accompanying plan is one of many arrangements possible with 
the same list of plants. Instead of an entire bed with an adjacent back- 
ground of evergreen trees, I have supposed the planting on the west side 
of the house and broken it by paths from the lawn to the piazza. Fur- 
ther planting is not indicated, but it will consist of the same species used 
115 
\ UNUSUAL treatment of a border of perennials would be offered 
