60 



however, to only have one color in each bed, as the " mass" is 

 more attractive than if the colors are varied. 



Carpet Bedding. This mode of planting is}comparatively 

 but little known in this countrj*, although it is extremely pop- 

 ular in some parts of Europe, and no doubt will be in this 

 country wiien it becomes more generallj' known. This style 

 of bedding takes its name from the class of plants that are used, 

 they all being of dwarf habit, and are planted so closely as to 

 form a complete covering or carpet over the bed. Xone of the 

 plants used for this purpose should be allowed to grow more 

 than six Inches in height. Those generally used are Alternan- 

 thera, Artemesia, Lobelia, Pansies, Moneywort, Ivies, Echeve- 

 rias, Mesembryanthemums, etc., etc. As we havealreadj'intl- 

 mated, the plants being of dwarf habit, it is requisite that they 

 be planted quite thickly in order to produce a complete carpet' 

 hence a goodl3^ number of plants must be used. This number 

 we cannot give, as it will depend on the variety and growth 

 of plants, as a " carpet " with holes in it is not at all pleasing 

 anywhere. This mode s especially desirable if the flower 

 beds are small and of fancy designs, or if the design is composed 

 of a number of flower beds the outlines of which it is necessary 

 to keep clear and distinct so that the desired effect of the whole 

 may not be marred by any irregularity'. Some of the plants 

 may require trimming during^the summer; this should not be 

 neglected, but should rather be done just as soon as necessary. 



Sub-Tropical Garden. This is composed of very rapid 

 growing plants, natives of tropical countries, which in our 

 short seasons produce such majestic specimens of tropical lux- 

 uriance that they in imagery carrj' us to climes where it is al- 

 ways summer and the air is laden with the aroma of some of our 

 most delicious fruits and flowers. These plants, of which the 

 Cannas, Ricinus and Caladium Esculentum are types, may be 

 planted in groups or singly in I'ich earth, or they may be ar- 

 ranged somewhat in Ribbon Line shape, as the taste may 

 dictate. 



Mixed. The modes of planting heretofore described are 

 only suitable for those who have room for quite a large number 

 of plants and who can afford to spend a part of their wealth in 

 this way. There is another class of people whose love for 

 flowers would be unlimited, and if their purses would permit 

 they would have an excellent collection, but their means will 

 only admit of the possession of a few. And the question now 



