PREFACE 



TO have written a book on rock gardening for amateurs 

 a few years ago would probably have proved futile, 

 since comparatively few amateurs were interested. They 

 were indifferent because ignorant of the charms and the 

 possibilities of rockeries, and of the adaptability of 

 alpine plants. The present popularity of rock gardening, 

 and its wide appeal to all classes of flower lovers, are 

 due to the fact that amateurs have begun to realise 

 that the miniature plants from the high mountains 

 and it is for their accommodation that rock gardens 

 are made are intensely fascinating, and, on the whole, 

 easy to grow. This result is doubtless owing in great 

 degree to the discovery of new and beautiful kinds, 

 and to the prominence given to rock plants at flower 

 shows throughout the country. However this may be, 

 rock gardening enjoys far greater popularity now than 

 ever before, and garden lovers have found that a simple 

 rockery can be just as delightful as an elaborate one. 



Alpine flowers should make an especial appeal to 

 the possessor of a small garden, for it is possible to 

 grow so many of them in a restricted area. Quite a small 

 rockery will accommodate from one to two hundred 

 alpines, and the more kinds one grows, the greater is 

 the enjoyment ; they vary so remarkably in growth, 

 in form and colour of leaf and blossom, and in their 



needs, as to afford unending delight to the gardener. 

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