i62 How to Make a Flower Garden 



The ' ' underground ' ' rock garden implies a cutting made below the 

 natural level of the ground. This method is adopted when a garden does 

 not contain a natural bank or hillside. The site chosen for an underground 

 rock garden must, of course, be governed by circumstances, but, if possible, 

 it should be in a secluded portion of the grounds, and near the boimdary 

 rather than in the center of an open place, if it can be avoided. The size 

 should then be determined and the top soil all removed for replacing when 

 the cutting is complete. There should be a central path of not less than five 

 feet in width, and this should wind in such a manner that the cutting shall 

 produce a variety of aspects to suit the requirements of the different plants. 

 The cutting should begin at one end, being shallow at first, but gradually 

 deepening until it is six or eight feet below the ground -le^'el. All the soil 

 taken out should be placed above the sides of the cutting, to still further 

 increase the height from the path through the center. 



The cutting should not be made regular, or smooth, but should present 

 an uneven surface, with occasional mounds and depressions of various 

 sizes. After the rough outline is formed, the top soil should all be placed 

 evenly over the whole surface. The rocks may be then placed in position ; 

 the kinds used do not greatly matter. Sandstone is perhaps best, though 

 very beautiful effects may be made with common boulders. Cut stones or 

 stones with flat surfaces should not be used, as they detract from the natural 

 appearance a rock garden should possess. The rocks should be of various 

 sizes, and arranged so that their most rugged sides are seen. Like the rocks 

 on the mountainside, they should occasionally stand out boldly, almost 

 perpendicularly with the edge of the path, then withdraw into hollow recesses ; 

 but they should always provide crevices, pockets, and ledges for the reception 

 of the plants. If a rock garden is extensive enough, a cascade will greatly 

 add to its attractiveness. Rugged stone steps leading up to a sinuous path 

 among the rocks on the upper part of the rockwork, with seats placed at 

 intervals, may be introduced, and will add greatly to one's enjoyment of it. 



Spring is perhaps the best time for planting the rock garden, though 

 early fall is also good. The pockets and crevices should be so arranged 

 that the water does not run off' too readily ; at the same time it is necessary 

 that they should have good drainage, if the soil below the rocks is of a clayey 

 nature. They should be well filled with soils to suit the requirements of 

 the different plants. For members of the heath and orchid family a peaty 

 soil is best; for the mossy and starry saxifrages, low-growing sedums, and 



