THE NATURAL ROCK GARDEN 33 



and clean out every nook and cranny, remov- 

 ing all weeds or other vegetation growing 

 there. This will at times be found no light 

 task, for it is surprising how roots, especially 

 those of weeds, penetrate into almost invisible 

 fissures. It is difficult to oust such a plant as 

 a dandelion when it gets its long and fleshy 

 tap-root down several inches into some crack 

 in solid rock, for it will not be sufficient merely 

 to cut off its crown — its severed crown will 

 promptly reappear worse than before. 



All overhanging trees should be cut down 

 which are likely to cause a drip on to the 

 plants below, or which would in any way 

 shut out light and air from the garden. It 

 is, however, advisable, in the initial stages at 

 least, to leave any small stunted trees or shrubs 

 springing from fissures in the face of the 

 rock, or clinging to its summit, especially 

 if these include such kinds as mountain 

 ash, oak, holly, or any of the Conifer 

 family. They are characteristic of and in 

 keeping with mountain plants, and can 

 easily be removed later, if it be deemed 

 advisable, 



3 



