632 



THE GARDENER'S ASSISTANT. 



variegated Pelargonium, and even crimson- 

 leaved Beet. 



Bright colour in flower and foliage, if a 

 prominent feature, must be disposed with that 

 correctness of taste insisted upon wherever 

 colour is used for effect, whether it be in 

 house-decoration, in dress, or in a picture. Un- 

 fortunately, there has been too often an utter 

 lack of taste displayed by many who have made 



summer bedding a speciality, not only in private 

 gardens, but in those places where the public 

 generally go to see flowers. Fantastic designs 

 picked out in the most flaunting colours have 

 been set before the people to such an extent 

 that, although there are still many who see 

 something to admire in them, all whose opinions 

 are worthy of respect have condemned them as 

 abominations, in the garden at any rate. 



The misuse of a plant, however, should not 

 lead to its disparagement. Not one of the 

 plants that are condemned when seen in these 

 bedding arrangements is unworthy of a place 

 in the garden; indeed, most of them, when 

 rightly used, are capable of producing effects 

 of the most pleasing character. The proper use 

 of such plants is, therefore, a matter of some 

 importance. 



Many hardy plants may be used in such a 

 way as to form striking floral effects; indeed it 

 would not be difficult to make a selection that 

 would afford a successional display throughout 

 the summer. As an instance, a large irregular 

 bed or border filled with Ghent Azaleas or similar 

 shrubs, to flower in the early summer, might also 

 contain Montbretias of different colours which 

 would give a display of flower until autumn. 

 Beds of Roses and Mignonette, Hypericums and 

 Pansies, &c, produce lasting effects in summer. 

 Carnations planted in masses, with a carpet of 

 some of the varieties of tufted Pansy, also make 

 pretty and lasting combinations. 



Of tender plants suitable for summer bedding 



n at Kew. 



there is, however, a much wider selection. Some 

 plants which might be more largely used are 

 Fuchsias, most charming either in mass or as 

 single specimens in pots on lawns, the pots sunk 

 below the surface. Tuberous-rooted Begonias 

 in suitable situations will produce a display 

 of brilliant flowers throughout the summer, 

 especially in wet seasons, when many other 

 bedding -plants fail. Calceolaria amplexicaulis 

 produces a beautiful picture of lemon -yellow 

 flowers. Pelargoniums, both gold and silver- 

 leaved varieties, are valued for their contrast 

 with flowering plants. The newer sorts of 

 Heliotrope, remarkable for the large size of 

 their flower -heads, are certain to become 

 generally used in bedding. 



The preparation of the beds is a mattei 

 that requires thoughtful attention to ensure 

 the healthy growth of the plants intended for 

 them. Bearing in mind how exhausting to 

 the soil must be the production of such masses 

 of foliage and flower, its renovation should be 

 frequent, such operations as changes of crop, 

 annual trenching and manuring, lime-dressing 



