Though the early tulips, both singles and doubles, are pleas- ing and we are grateful for their appearance, it is the later tulips that mean most in color compositions. These have larger flowers, more subtle colorings, and are borne on stems twenty-four to thirty inches high. As one grower says, "The real test of proper height is when you can tuck the blossom into your pocket without stooping."

Combinations with Darwins, Breeders, and Cottage Tulips

Tulips should be selected to harmonize with the more per manent plants in the background and with the existing herba ceous material in the borders, unless this has been selected and arranged to harmonize with favorite tulips. Either method works well. Tulip associations open up vast possibilities for the enthusiast with a keen sense of color. There is a wide choice of material which blooms at this season-columbine, flax, lupine, bleedingheart, mertensia, early iris, pansies, vio las, primulas, forgetmenots, aubretia, and arabis. These and a host of other plants bring out the beauty of tulips. The shrubs and the evergreens in the background should also be considered so as to create broad effects.

Let the designer work with tulips as the artist with paints on a palette-to be effective they have to be mixed or blended.

Clear bold colors, particularly in the cottage group, can be used in small groups with good green foliage for accent and to bring rhythm and sequence along the main axis. The darker colored tulips should always be placed in full sunlight so that they will not appear to recede; the lighter colors, especially yellow and whites, will stand some shadow and still be effec tive.

With tulips, try to create pleasing pictures from various vantage points. Yonder group of evergreens will act as an admirable foil for a few brilliant scarlet tulips, usually diffi cult to harmonize, or perhaps as the evergreens are distant, a mass of white tulips will show to fine advantage. In the semi shaded spot along the garden walk, a touch of strong color will point up the scheme. Why not plant there a group of closely related yellow and orange tulips with perhaps a few whites for contrast?

In the beds near the house or at the focal point where a closer view is possible, the more delicate tints and pastels will be pleasing. For beds around or near the pool, plan to use several large groups of the various lavenders, blue-violets, and purples, accented with small groups of warmer pinks and soft yellows, or try to pick up certain colors that the larger group shows only slightly in petals or interiors. General de la Rey, a salmon-shaded lilac-rose and buff with a distinct orange center can be combined with other tulips in which these colors predominate-Clematis, a rosy-lilac, or New Era, a lilac dusted white with a broad buff-gold margin.