Growing Flowers 199 



firmly imbedded, and they should not be placed in 

 such position that pools of water will form. 



The rock garden should be started the latter part of 

 February or the first of March if there is to be a 

 show of blossoms the first season, for most flowers 

 suitable to a rock foundation bloom in April, 

 May, and June. 



Coarse sand, well drained, is required for most 

 plants which grow among the rocks. A compost 

 suitable for the needs of these flowers is composed of 

 two parts of loam mixed with one part of peat or 

 leaf mold to which has been added a little coarse 

 sand. 



A good mixture of soil for the rock garden is com- 

 posed of eight parts of good friable loam, two parts 

 of broken sandstone, two parts of sand, one part 

 of leaf mold, and two parts of well rotted compost. 



House Plants 



To retain the gloss on a rubber plant, pour a little 

 sweet oil or castor oil about the roots of the plant 

 every three or four weeks. The oil will nourish 

 the plant and keep it in healthful condition and the 

 gloss will be a natural result. When the plant 



