282 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



directed by artistic taste than formerly. The mere massing 

 together of plants of one colour without the relief of variety was 

 open to the objection — no other existed — of formality. This 

 artificial arrangement seemed more particularly inconsistent with 

 the freedom and naturalness characteristic of spring flowers. 

 I propose to describe some of our bedding arrangements, the 

 character and kinds of plants we employ, their propagation and 

 general treatment. For spring bedding those plants must be 

 employed that not only have the habit of blooming early, but 

 may be relied on to maintain that bloom for some time, and in 

 the selection it is necessary to choose those plants whose blooming 

 period is coincident. 



There is no better plant for spring bedding than Aubrietia 

 grceca and its varieties. It is perfectly hardy; it fairly covers the 

 ground from the time it is planted in October until it is removed 

 in May ; its blooming period is prolonged through the spring 

 months. We are indebted to Herr Max Leichtlin for two new 

 and charming varieties, giving us colours that were much desired 

 — crimson and pink ; the common form is bluish lilac in colour. 

 The Aubrietias are increased by cuttings, division, and seed. I 

 give the preference to seedlings. The seed should be sown as 

 early in the year as possible, and the plants pricked out ; if 

 properly treated the young plants will be ready for planting in 

 October and November. The Aubrietia beds are relieved with 

 white, orange, and red Tulips, and edged with light-coloured 

 Primroses. 



I employ that beautiful and free-blooming Heath Erica carnea 

 for massing, the beds being edged with Heuchera lucida. Yellow 

 Tulips are planted amongst the crimson Heather, suggesting a 

 piece of wild ground with Tulipa sylvestris springing from it. 



Another arrangement which is particularly pleasing consists 

 of a dwarf variety oiArabis albida with S cilia sibirica intermixed, 

 and edged with red Daisies. 



A hardy and early-blooming yellow Polyanthus is largely em- 

 ployed in our spring-bedding arrangements. These in masses give 

 a very definite effect, but will still bear the relief of pink or scarlet 

 Tulips ; and an additional line of colour is lent by double pink 

 Daisies. 



Another yellow bed, but of a more bold and decided charac- 

 ter, is made with Doronicwn atistriacum, edged with Myosctis 



