42 THE UNHEATED GREENHOUSE 



which blooms in February and March, when its tender slate- 

 blue flowers shading off to creamy white are both pretty and 

 fragrant. In the same category with these rare species are 

 I. Hausknechtii, I. Tawei, I. bolleana, and others. Their cul- 

 ture is scarcely to be taken in hand by a novice, because they 

 are both scarce and dear, and their requirements may not as 

 yet be entirely understood, but there are others, like I. alata, 

 I. orchioides, I. Danfordioc, I. bakeriana, &c., which are more 

 easily procured, and are charming additions to the alpine 

 house. Better known still is I. reticulata in its many de- 

 lightful forms. 



No more fascinating branch of garden work could, in fact, 

 be taken up by the enthusiastic amateur than the furnishing of 

 an alpine house for six months of the year from November till 

 May, providing occupation for the summer and enjoyment for 

 the winter. The form of it, besides, may be varied, for another 

 arrangement which can be adopted for the alpine house is a 

 permanent rock garden under glass the lights being so put 

 together that they may be entirely removed during the summer. 

 Evergreen ferns of low stature, some of the dwarf vacciniums 

 and gaultheria, and other suitable greenery might here be 

 grouped intervening spaces being left with a view to the 

 introduction of plants in flower in their season from the outside 

 frames. Such an alpine house, which may be larger or 

 smaller according to circumstances, would make as charming a 

 winter garden as could well be devised. 



Alpine plants are legion, and it is impossible here to do 

 more than indicate the lines upon which they may be used 

 under glass, but a list will be found of the best and most 

 suitable species, including many of the smaller bulbs and tubers 

 which have been successfully grown at Kew and elsewhere for 

 this purpose. 



