THE ROCK-GARDEN 83 



be the Alpine Rhododendrons ; neat in habit, dark 

 of foHage, and on a scale that does not overwhelm 

 the little plant jewels that are to come near them. 

 No shrubs are so suitable for a good part of the main 

 plantings in the higher regions. Then there will be 

 Heaths, among which the white Menziesia would be 

 largely used on the cooler exposures, and Pernettyas 

 in quantity. The pretty and fragrant Ledum palustre 

 will also be a useful shrub in the backward regions of 

 the cooler portions, while the neat L. buxifolium, on 

 the fringes of the solid shrub planting, will lead well to 

 the smaller plants. Other shrubs that will suit these 

 upper portions are Cistus laurifoliuSy Cistus cyprius, 

 with Spanish Gorse and various Brooms in the hot- 

 test places ; Andromedas, Gaultherias, Pernettyas, and 

 Ledums will come in the cooler spots. In addition 

 to the Alpine Rhododendrons there will be R. myrti- 

 folium and several small garden hybrids. 



These are all shrubs of dark coloured foliage ; by 

 using them in bold masses they will give the whole 

 rock-garden that feeling of unity and simplicity 

 of design that often in such places is so painfully 

 wanting. 



Other small evergreen shrubs, such as Skimmias 

 and Daphne pontica should also be used rather near 

 together, but from their brighter and paler colour 

 preferably in a group by themselves. 



By working on such a general plan we shall avoid 

 that rude shock so often experienced when the rock- 

 garden comes into view, from its appearance being 

 so uncompromisingly sudden. Perhaps there is a 



