7 
208 
Rustic Adornments . 
violent contrasts should be studiously avoided. Here tall-growing tender 
plants, such as the dahlia, sweet scented tobacco ( Nicotiana affinis ), Humea 
elegans, Canna itidica in its many forms, Solatium robustum , and others of 
similar stature, would be more in character with the surroundings than zonal 
pelargoniums and allied plants. Some judgment must, however, be exercised 
in the use of these plants. Avoid the too common practice of mixing 
a number of them together in one bed. Plants with broad leaves do not 
contrast well with those of fine foliage. It is better to group the two distinct 
forms by themselves in separate beds, than together in one. To impart 
colour to beds of this character, add the purplish-bronze Ricinus Gibsoni, , the 
purple-leaved Orach {Atriplex hortensis atrosanguinea\ the crimson-leaved 
Beet (. Beta cicla variegata ), the silvery-foliaged Cineraria maritima , 
Centaurea ragusina , C. Clementii , and Chamcepeuce diacantha , the dark¬ 
leaved Amorantus bicolor , A. melancholicus ruber , a?id A. caudatus , all with 
more or less showy foliage. The many forms of Gladiolus Brenchleyensis 
and G. gandevensis , also Hyacinthus candicans, Lilium auratum , and L. 
speciosum , will add greatly to the general effect when judiciously intermixed 
with the foliage plants. 
The value of hardy annuals for beds must not be overlooked. The seeds 
are to be obtained so cheaply that they may be said to be well within the 
reach of every one’s means; and they are certainly very effective for 
the present purpose. The dwarfer kinds that do not exceed a foot in height 
may take the place of zonal pelargoniums, etc., for beds near the house ; while 
the taller sorts can be used instead of cannas and the foliage plants described 
for the other positions. Of course we are well aware that a continuity of bloom 
cannot be depended upon always in the case of annuals, but if the precaution 
be taken to remove seed vessels as soon as the flowers fade, and the plants 
are not allowed to grow too thickly together, their season of blooming will, as 
a rule, extend into the middle of September. Among the dwarfer annuals 
suitable for massing, the godetia may be specially mentioned. Next to this 
are the nemophila, candytuft, dwarf nasturtium, Virginian stock, sweet alyssum, 
limnanthes, sanvitalia, mignonette, eschscholtzia and dwarf convolvulus. Then 
in the way of taller sorts, growing one to two feet high, the following are good, 
viz.: calliopsis, Chrysanthemum tricolor , clarkias, erysimums, love-in-a-mist, 
love-lies-bleeding, poppies (Shirley and Pseony-flowered), sweet sultans and 
viscarias. A few still taller sorts are sweet peas, cornflowers, sunflowers, Chry¬ 
santhemum coronarium , and prince's feather. These are best sown by them- 
