88 ROCK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



a small marshy spot in which moisture-loving Primulas 

 and other flowers of considerable beauty can be planted. 

 Care of Water Plants. It is necessary to look over 

 the ponds and pools occasionally. Weeds may appear, 

 or certain plants may take possession of too much space. 

 Ranunculus Lingua major, for example, or the Water 

 Dock, may spread too freely, and spoil the appearance 

 of the pond. Nymphaeas increase rapidly, and it becomes 

 necessary to thin them out. Spring is the best time for 

 this, though it may also be performed in autumn. The 

 pond should never be wholly covered with vegetation, 

 as the water appearing between the plants not only adds 

 to their beauty, but affords space for revealing the re- 

 flections of the rocks and plants on the surface of the 

 pond. 



Time to Plant. Most aquatics should be planted 

 in spring, and March, April, and May are the best months 

 for planting Water Lilies. One of the happy things 

 in connection with water in the rock garden is that it 

 enables one to plant the ponds, pools, and streams at 

 almost any time, except, possibly, the depth of winter. 

 Aquatics may be set in the water and moist soils, even 

 in the most brilliant sunshine, with but little danger. 

 Still, spring is the most suitable time for lifting, dividing, 

 and replanting, as well as for planting. 



It is not worth while to raise many true aquatic 

 plants from seeds ; most of them are readily increased 

 by division. The plants for the margins may often be 

 raised from seeds successfully. A list of the plants 



