It is almost always well to
Combine Green Leaves with the Flowers
although there are some that do not need this relief. Closely packed flowers should have no foliage; chrysanthemums, one species of the brilliant poppy and the sweet-pea need none, but there are few others that do not show better amid green leaves.
While flowers of different varieties seldom look well together, you may sometimes add much to its beauty by giving a flower the foliage of another plant, and a trailing green vine will often be just the touch needed to soften a stiff arrangement.
Asparagus fern is an airy and feathery green, but you must use it with discretion, as it is suitable only for fragile, delicate flowers in very loose arrangements. Other ferns, though often used, do not really combine well with any flowers, they are too distinctly another species of plant and hold themselves aloof in their separateness. The wild oxalis, wood-sorrel, or, as the children call it, sour grass, has pretty delicate leaves that look well with sweet-peas and other small flowers. As a rule, a flower's own foliage suits it best, however, and you may be certain not to offend good taste by keeping to it.
Fig. [493].—An inexpensive clear glass vase.
Do Not Combine Flowers
Fig. [494].—The olive bottle.