62 ROCK GARDENS 



Keep the very best fibrous loam for the alpines, 

 because shrubs, though requiring more depth, 

 are not so particular as to quality. Even if the 

 soil is mixed with a little subsoil, " weathering " 

 will soon improve this and do no harm. 



In all artificial rock gardens aim at variety 

 of outline, but avoid too sudden transitions 

 from one formation to another. Let the 

 change be gradual, and always try to make it 

 look as if there was a reason for it, for such 

 is invariably the case in nature. Try to 

 keep the lines of the garden in proper propor- 

 tion. It is not an easy thing to do, for in 

 ten yards you must reproduce what in nature 

 covered ten times that distance ; but as pro- 

 portion is the keynote to success, it is worth 

 taking considerable trouble to achieve it. 



Do not attempt more than the size of the 

 ground will allow. One good wide valley 

 looks far better than two narrow ones. There 

 should always be the feeling of openness and 

 expanse. Also remember that all-important 

 point, drainage. Whenever making a hollow 

 or forming a level plateau, see that there is 

 no chance of water lodging : this is the stage 



