234 MANUAL OF GARDENING 



hold moisture and into which roots may penetrate. The pock- 

 ets are filled with good fibrous moisture-holding earth, and 

 often a little sphagnum or other moss is added. It must then 

 be arranged so that the pockets never dry out. 



Rock-gardens are usually failures, because they violate these 

 very simple elementary principles; but even when the soil con- 

 ditions and moisture conditions are good, the habits of the 

 rock plants must be learned, and this requires thoughtful ex- 

 perience. Rock-gardens cannot be generally recommended. 



1. Plants for Carpet-beds 

 (By Ernest Walker) 



The beauty of the carpet-bed lies largely in its unity, sharp 

 contrast and harmony of color, elegance — often simplicity — ■ 

 of design, nicety of execution, and the continued distinctness of 

 outline due to scrupulous care. A generous allowance of green- 

 sward on all sides contributes greatly to the general effect, — 

 in fact it is indispensable. 



Whatever place is chosen for the bed, it should be in a sunny 

 exposure. This, nor any kind of bed, should not be planted 

 near large trees, as their greedy roots will rob the soil not only 

 of its food, but of moisture. The shade also will be a menace. 

 As the plants stand so thick, the soil should be well enriched, and 

 spaded at least a foot deep. In planting, a space of at least six 

 inches must be left between the outer row of plants and the 

 edge of the grass. The very style of the bed requires that lines 

 be straight, the curves uniform, and that they be kept so by 

 the frequent and careful use of the shears. During dry periods 

 watering will be necessary. The beds, however, should not be 

 watered in the hot sunshine. Foliage plants are most in use, 

 and are the ones which will prove the most satisfactory in the 

 hands of the inexperienced, as they submit to severe clipping 

 and are thus more easily managed. 



