In the instance where we wish to make a symmetrical arrangement of nine groups, we must repeat, in setting out from 5, the groups, 4, 3, 2, and 1. If there is space for eleven groups, we must repeat, at each of the extremities of the preceding arrangement, the group 5. C. Beds of Dahlias. I shall make no other remark than insisting upon the necessity of all the individuals of the same variety being symmetrically placed, by taking the precautions of which I have before spoken (page 314). (761.) In September, a line of almond laurels, and of Mespilus pyracantha garnished with their red fruit, has a good effect. Privets (Ligustrum vulgare), adorned with their dark-blue berries, contrast equally well with the Mespilus pyracantha or with holly (Ilex aquifolium). (762.) Arrangement of Flowers for the Month of October. The month of October may also be remarkable, if the season be favourable, for the beautiful arrangements it may derive from the varieties of Chrysanthemum of various colours-White, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow-with which may be associated to great advantage the large blue aster; and these arrangements are much easier to realise when the chrysanthemums have attained their full development in pots. I now indicate several linear arrangements, and different arrangements in groups and beds. Linear Arrangements with Symmetrical Centre. (c) 1. Red Chrysanthemum. 2. Yellow Chrysanthemum. We can commence with a White Chrysanthemum and finish with the same, if, instead of nine places, we have eleven. (d) 1. White Chrysanthemum. 2. Orange Chrysanthemum. 3. Large Blue Aster. 4. Yellow Chrysanthemum. 5. White Chrysanthemum. If, instead of nine places, we have eleven, we can commence and finish with a Red Chrysanthemum. Here we have six groups in which the colours are well as sorted. Represents a mass of Chrysanthemums and Blue Asters of a fine effect. Remarks. (763.) The plants composing each of the assortments I have just named, observed during several years in the neighbourhood of Paris, on an elevated plain, have each year flowered simultaneously; but in years of extremes there will be differences; then the advantage of contrast of colours resulting from assortment will not occur. But if this enjoyment be lost, we must not make any great objection to the system of assortments; and besides, in the employment of the same plants for the decoration of gardens, the assortment I prescribe, although having the defect of simultaneous flowering, will have nevertheless an advantage over ordinary plantations, because the plant not flowering at the same time as its neighbours, will by its symmetrical position present something more agreeable to the sight than if there was no symmetry between the plants which are in flower and those which are not. (764.) If, under circumstances differing from those in which I have made my observations on the average simultaneous flowerings, such as different situations under the climate of Paris, or in a different climate from that, we remark that the flowerings which I have given as simultaneous are not uniform, the plant which causes the defect must be replaced by another of the same colour, and which will be also as analogous as possible. (765.) The associations of plants indicated for flowering in the first months of the year, are more exposed to failure than those of the following months, on account of the mild or the cold temperature of the winter. (766.) Among the associations indicated for flowering in one month, there may also be some which flower in the succeeding months. CHAPTER IV. EXAMPLES OF PLANTS WHICH CAN BE ASSOCIATED TOGETHER UNDER THE RELATION OF THE COLOUR OF THEIR FOLIAGE. (767.) GARDENERS insist much more upon the result which may be derived from the effects of the foliage of trees and shrubs, than upon that which may be obtained from the effects of flowers; doubtless in consequence of the latter occupying less extent of surface than the leaves, and that they are also of shorter duration, and, I may add (conformably to an extreme opinion which excludes them from landscape gardening), as too suggestive of the hand of man. From this we should expect to find in works on gardening some indications suitable for making associations of foliage, either by contrast or by analogy, conformably to the principles which have always guided me. But it is not so! The authors of these works confine themselves to generalities, and in the few examples cited by them, I cannot even say that they have sufficiently distinguished the effects arising from the particular form of the leaves from the effect resulting exclusively from their colour. If in this Chapter I do not supply what I regard as an omission on the part of writers on gardening, it is because my own observations are not sufficiently numerous to enable me to cite with confidence a series of examples analogous to those which I have given in the preceding Chapter, relative to the associations based on the colours of the flowers. Besides, I shall indicate in the following Sub-section some associations of plants in which I have taken the foliage into account, but subordinating the effects to others which appear to me more important to obtain; such is the reason why I abstain from treating the subject in this Chapter. H |