PLANTING AND GENERAL HINTS 27 



a little anticipation, so that one may form some idea 

 of the future aspect of the rockery when the plants 

 shall have become established and displayed their true 

 characteristics. Probably three or four years will elapse 

 before such a consummation is fully realised, though 

 the rock garden will be a source of intense interest from 

 the moment the plants are put in. Let us, then, make 

 some study of the plants, and the best position in which 

 to place them. This will prove a simple matter if the 

 details given in this book, and especially the lists, are 

 studied, while much useful information on the question 

 may be derived from the catalogues of the various 

 nurserymen who make a speciality of rock plants. In 

 purchasing, a selection described as suitable for different 

 aspects should be procured, so that the whole garden 

 may be well covered. A few dwarf shrubs, however 

 limited in number, ought always to be included, for if 

 planted in a prominent position they add surprisingly 

 to the character of the rock garden, and lend a dis- 

 tinction that nothing else is able so readily to furnish. 

 There are many quite low-growing shrubs, true pygmies, 

 that can be employed in the smallest rock garden with 

 great advantage. 



Single Plants or Groups. Whether single plants or 

 groups of several of the same sort should be planted 

 depends largely upon the size of the rockery and the 

 depth of the owner's pocket. In a large rock garden 

 groups are essential, otherwise a " patchy " and meagre 

 display will result. If the object be chiefly to produce 



