174 



NEW ZEALAND PLANTS^ 



in a dry climate. In a wet one the natural rainfall may be enough. 

 To procure this good drainage, in many cases a rockery is useful 

 (fig. 68). It is also a fact that some few plants which root deeply 

 love to press their roots far between the stones ; and, finally, a raised 

 bed is advantageous for displaying the smaller plants. As for the 

 rock, some kind that will crumble with the weather is the best ; but 

 bricks are far from being a bad substitute, although an ugly one. As 

 well as stone, there must be plenty of light soil. Sweet, peaty soil is 

 good ; a foundation of small stones is also excellent. Each individual 



FIG. 69. Viola Cunninghamii, the common New Zealand Violet. 



[Photo, J. Crosby-Smitli. 



plant should be allowed a fair proportion of soil. Small shrubs, 

 planted here and there, are effective, giving both a natural appearance 

 and affording shelter. In eastern Canterbury the nor'-wester is the 

 bane of the alpine gardener. The sou' -wester does little harm, but the 

 constant east wind is better blocked out. 



With management, nearly all the New Zealand alpine plants can 

 be grown ; but some are difficult to manage, even in the most favour- 

 able gardens. The following are some of the easier-grown of the 



