32 VILLA GARDENING part i 



The Primroses are among the most interesting border and rock 

 plants. A rather shady situation, moist and yet not stagnant, 

 suits them best. Ramondia i^yrenaica, Saponaria ocymoides, Saxi- 

 fraga longifolia, S. caesia, S. cristata, S. pyramidalis, S. hypnoides, 

 S. juniperina, S. rosularis, S. lingidata, S. oppositifolia, Sedum 

 elegans, S. Ewersi, S. rupestre, Sempervivum californicuni, S. mon- 

 tanum, S. globiferum, S. hirsutum. The three genera last named 

 are excellent rock plants, and many beautiful species may be added 

 to my list. Their culture is very easy. Silene alpestris, S. acaulis, 

 S. maritima flore-pleno, S. pennsylvanica (plant in dry stony 

 places), Iris reticulata, Sisyrinchum grandiflorum, Soldaiiella alpina 

 (moisture and shade), Statice incana, Thymus lanuginosus, T. 

 micans, Dryas octopetala, Sibthorpia europsea, Veronica incana, V. 

 Lyalli, V. prostrata, V. repens, V. rupestris, Vinca minor argentea 

 variegata, V. major elegantissima, Viola pedata, V. p. bicolor. 

 Cyclamen eiu-opreum, C. hederaefolium, C. h. album, C. h. gra^cum, 

 C. repandum, C. vernum album. The Cyclamens are very lovely 

 planted in groups, sheltered and shaded by rocks, and left undis- 

 turbed. Yucca accuminata, Y. angustifolia, Y. filamcnitosa, Y. 

 reciura, Y. gloriosa, Y. rupicola. The Yuccas are indispensable 

 for the rockery, their effect being so striking growing on the top 

 or out of the side of a mound amid low-growing plants, Rosa 

 nigosa, R. r. rosea, R. r. rubra, R. pyrenaica. 



There are many kinds of bulbs which would be at home on the 

 rockery; they would much improve its appearance, and be cal- 

 culated to inspire interest. Some of the Clematis and other creep- 

 ing and climbing plants might be introduced with advantage ; and 

 no matter how well the site was prepared in the first instance, 

 a time comes when exhaustion sets in, and it would be necessary 

 to lift some of the plants and add manure, leaf-mould, and peat, to 

 supply them with food in the place of that which they had dissipated. 

 This may not be required perhaps for years, especially if top- 

 dressings are given occasionally ; but in order to keep the plants 

 in full vigour removal will sometimes be necessary. 



Trees and Shrubs for Rockery. — There is room on the 

 smallest rockery for a low^-growdng tree or a trailing shrub. They 

 give elevation and character to the place, and afford shade and 

 shelter to the delicate species which are impatient of much sun- 

 shine. Weeping trees, such as the silver Weeping Bircli, Sophora 

 japonica pendula, etc., are very effective. The double-blossomed 

 Gorse and the Brooms may be used with effect in clothing ragged 

 banks and mounds. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Ledums, 

 and other American shrubs may be grouped about or near to the 

 rockery if space can be found and the soil happens to be suitable or 



