36 ROGK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



for the production of seeds should be looked over frequently, 

 otherwise many seeds may fall to the ground and be lost. 

 The ripe seeds are placed on sheets of paper in a sunny 

 greenhouse or window until all are gathered, and then 

 sown without delay. Plants of which the blossoms 

 are over may generally be increased by division at this 

 season, and cuttings can be taken of alpines possessing 

 soft or herbaceous stems. As soon as Aubrietia, Arabis, and 

 dwarf Phlox are out of flower they may with advantage 

 be cut back fairly hard, with the object of keeping the 

 clumps neat and well filled with growths in the centre. 

 If this attention is not given they are apt to become 

 straggling and untidy, and then lose much of their charm. 

 Fresh growths will soon form, and the plants will look 

 brighter and neater than ever. If an increased number 

 of plants is wanted this is the time to take cuttings. 

 Primulas of all kinds may be divided after flowering. 



Plants in hot, dry places showing signs of distress in 

 bright weather may be shaded by setting a large stone 

 in such a way as to intercept the rays of the sun, or be 

 temporarily sheltered by a piece of wood. Seedlings 

 and newly planted alpines need to be shaded in sunny 

 weather ; shade is of far greater benefit to them than 

 continual watering, which indeed may do much harm. 



The question of watering established plants deserves 

 greater consideration than often it receives. In many 

 cases mere surface watering is given almost daily in dry 

 weather, and often the plants are sprayed for several 

 hours each fine day. This is not at all essential, and is, 



