DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF THE BEST KINDS 197 



Ajuga (Bugle). A common and easily grown plant, 

 native of this country, that is useful for filling odd corners 

 in the rockery. It belongs to Labiatae, which includes 

 Mint, Dead Nettle, etc. Ordinary soil and almost any 

 situation, even a shady one, are suitable. The flowers, 

 in upright spikes, are blue or purple, though the varieties 

 generally grown are valued chiefly for the colouring of 

 the foliage. An increased stock is readily obtainable by 

 dividing plants in spring. Ajuga reptans purpurea has 

 purplish leaves, and those of Brockbanki are dark rich 

 green. The beauty of the foliage persists during the 

 winter. A. reptans variegata has prettily variegated 

 foliage. 



Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle). This is of value only 

 for its leaves, which are prettily rounded, green above and 

 silvery beneath. It is native of the Alps of Europe, and 

 member of the Rose family (Rosaceae). The flowers, 

 which are small and green, are of no beauty ; they add 

 nothing to the decorative value of the plant, and are 

 usually cut oft This Alchemilla grows in any ordinary 

 soil, and may be increased by dividing the roots in spring 

 or late summer. 



Alyssum (Madwort). The Alyssums are among the 

 showiest and easiest of all plants to grow in rock gardens. 

 They are native of South and Eastern Europe, and the 

 flowers are white or of some shade of yellow. They 

 belong to the great Crucifer family (Cmciferae), which 

 numbers among its members the Wallflower, Stock, and 

 Arabis. Growth is rapid in well-drained soil, though 



