PLANTING THE ROCK GARDEN 199 



and Kewensts^ and Genista prostrata^ which 

 grow only a few inches high, will creep 

 over a rock, covering it with a compact green 

 cushion, which in summer will be transformed 

 into a sheet of cream or gold. 



It is not, however, a good plan to line all 

 the heights with these dwarf shrubs, for that 

 would tend to give a monotonous appearance. 

 Therefore, vary the effect by planting here 

 and there, almost up to the rock plants, a 

 group of the stronger-growing brooms, such 

 as Cytisus Prcecox and Prcecox alba^ Carlieri^ 

 scoparius^ etc. 



Shrubs, deciduous and otherwise, suitable 

 for massing in the background, are legion, 

 and every year new varieties are being intro- 

 duced — some hardy, and others only half 

 hardy. 



Therefore, to a certain extent, the selection 

 made will depend on the climate. For 

 instance, in my garden in County Wicklow, 

 I can grow without the least protection 

 during the winter such shrubs as Metrosideros 

 fioribunda^ Carpenteria Californica^ Cistus 

 formosus, Myrtus apiculata^ Gr evil lea rosmarini- 



