MAKING THE ROCK GARDEN 9 



that one should learn to putt before attempting to drive, 

 which, of course, no one ever does, for it would prove 

 too dull for words. Probably also the beginner will 

 not make the acquaintance of the flowers before he begins 

 to build, and in so doing, if not wise, he will at least 

 be quite human. He will, however, have much to 

 unlearn, and his rock garden will doubtless need some 

 alteration ; but, after all, this is part of the game, and 

 the game abounds in interest. How dull would garden- 

 ing be if we were able to learn it all at once ! Each one 

 has to teach himself to a large extent ; books can only 

 put the reader in the right way. 



A Place in the Sun. Choose then, above all things, 

 a place in the sun, and you will have begun thoroughly 

 well. Have not many of us at one time or another, 

 with some regret, given away pieces of rock plants to 

 friends whose only home for the mountain flowers is 

 under the drip of some leafy tree that is fit merely for 

 the weeds of the rock garden, and no more suitable for 

 the jewels of the race than the garden-rubbish heap ? 

 Drip, drip, drip, the winter through soon tells its tale, 

 and the little alpines, that can be so gay in the sunshine, 

 dwindle, droop and die. Do not have the rock garden 

 within yards of a big tree, or the roots of the latter will 

 assuredly find it out, rob the rock flowers of their rightful 

 nourishment, and generally prove a nuisance. Positions 

 near buildings, too, should be avoided, if possible, for 

 these hill flowers love an open, airy spot. Choose also, 

 if you can, a spot that is sheltered from fierce winds. 



