I70 ROCK GARDENS 



it is far better to leave the plants " heeled in " 

 for a week, or even more, than to plant v^hen 

 the ground is unsuitable. 



Nor should you plant during hard frost. 

 The ideal time is in mild, open w^eather, but 

 not too hot, v^hen the ground is fairly dry 

 and in good friable condition. If it is found 

 necessary to plant in very dry weather, after 

 putting in the plant, and before completely 

 filling the hole, give it a good soaking with 

 water. The hole can be made up to the 

 required level as soon as this has drained 

 away. 



With regard to watering in general, there is 

 one golden rule which should never be broken. 

 Never water unless it can be done to the extent 

 of thoroughly soaking the ground to a depth 

 of at least 3 inches. This is applicable equally 

 to either the newly planted or the old estab- 

 lished plants. The effect of a light sprinkling 

 is merely to encourage the roots of the plants 

 to come to the surface, which is exactly what 

 should be avoided, for they will then be far 

 more likely to suffer in hot weather. So if 

 the watering cannot be done thoroughly, it is 



