92 ROCK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



if broken up occasionally with the spade, it is astonishing 

 how quickly clayey soil improves and becomes part and 

 parcel of the border soil proper. By taking suitable 

 soil from different parts of the garden it is possible to 

 keep down the expense attaching to the purchase of fresh 

 soil. My own rock border was made under similar con- 

 ditions. I had first to dig out the clayey stuff and use 

 in its place the lighter, cultivated soil taken from rose 

 beds and flower borders. This is admirably suited to form 

 the bulk of the material used for the rock border. One 

 generally has to buy some soil, it is true, but only for 

 making up special mixtures in which to plant. 



The Soil Mixture. It is advisable to place some large 

 pieces of chopped turf over the drainage so that it does 

 not become choked up by particles of smaller soil falling 

 through from above. On top of this comes the soil 

 gathered from the garden beds and borders, and made 

 firm by treading. Then the foundation of the rock 

 border is well and truly made. The depth of soil to place 

 upon the drainage before the real building begins must 

 depend upon the height to which we intend to go, and 

 also upon the size of the rocks. If the height of the tallest 

 peak is to be two and a half feet from the ground level, 

 there should be some ten or twelve inches of soil alone 

 before the rock or stone is put in. We must leave nothing 

 to chance in the building of the rock border, for, once well 

 made, it will last for years and yearly increase in charm 

 and beauty ; so let us attend to details as the work pro- 

 ceeds. As has been pointed out, a well-drained soil is 



