Colour Combinations for Garden and House 189 



Dahlias of dull fawn, of dove colour, of gen- 

 tle iridescent pinks all keep company in happy 

 mood. Keep the background dark in tone — ^high 

 shrubs at a distance, and the palest of foreground 

 sets them off to best advantage. 



In planting dahlias together, form and habit 

 must be taken into consideration as well as 

 colour. A great massive decorative is too over- 

 powering for a dainty cactus or a gentle peony. 

 There are smaller decoratives which are well offset 

 by a large cactus or peony. Singles should be 

 set apart from all other types and look better 

 among herbaceous perennials than when planted 

 alone. Little Tom Thumb or single Mignons 

 add greatly to the charm when set at their feet, 

 among other flowers or foliage of soft cloudy 

 effect. Collarettes should be treated as are the 

 singles, but seldom look well if planted with them. 

 "White singles and white collarettes with yellow 

 centres planted with Michsehnas daisies make a 

 combination never to be forgotten. Pompons 

 are seldom an artistic success in the border, 

 though there are exceptions when they are heavy 

 bloomers, or where much colour is not needed. 



It is a mistake to think that varieties which 

 are principally used for exhibition purposes are 

 imsuitable for the garden or mixed border. 

 Most of those I have already mentioned are 



