CHAPTER IV 

 Planting and General Hints 



THE question of planting is one of the most im- 

 portant that arises in the cultivation of alpine 

 flowers. Upon its proper performance depends not only 

 the general appearance of the rock garden, but the 

 future welfare of the flowers also. 



In considering the subject there are several points 

 that need to be kept in mind. The general effect of 

 the display is of consequence to the amateur, although 

 the enthusiastic collector is inclined to attach less im- 

 portance to this. To have a really satisfactory rockery 

 there must be an association of plants of various types 

 such, for instance, as those that will thrive in dry soil, 

 or where the ground is moist, in sun, or shade together 

 with shrubs and other distinctive plants that give 

 character to the garden. There is no reason why even 

 the smallest rock garden should not form a complete 

 and satisfying picture. In careful and correct planting 

 is found the solution to many of the problems that arise 

 in the cultivation of alpines, and it cannot be too strongly 

 emphasised that any additional care given to this work 

 is bound to help towards the success of the flowers. 



Before putting in the plants it is wise to indulge in 



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