THE MINIATURE ALP 207 



this miniature chalk Alp ; for that is what the 

 mound resembled when it was completed. Slowly 

 the whole became a dark-looking bed of rich soil, 

 and only at the summit was chalk purposely left 

 exposed, in order to carry out more effectively the 

 idea of a snow-peaked mountain. As the sun 

 shines fiercely upon this bank during the day, it 

 will be possible in time to establish all kinds of 

 dwarf Alpines upon it, and by merging one group 

 into another and choosing only miniature flowers, 

 an interesting garden can be made. Meanwhile, 

 until the soil becomes firmly settled it is advisable 

 only to attempt, for this summer, more ordinary 

 plants, and so gourds will hang down amidst per- 

 haps a mass of canary creeper, whilst wallflowers, 

 and later on nasturtiums, give a stronger depth of 

 yellow, brown, and orange. Little baby cactus 

 plants in those bright red pots that children love 

 to handle are arranged in groups, where they give 

 an effect of tropical growth, and make the whole 

 look like a child's plaything. 



Within the trench garden, the walls of chalk are 

 already clothed by honeysuckle, jasmine, and wild 

 clematis, all of which were lifted carefully from 

 ground which was somewhat poor and will there- 

 fore now, with the help of good earth, welcome the 

 change and grow freely. The floor was not made 

 absolutely level, but was given a small inclination 

 to fall towards one corner so as to ensure its be- 

 coming quickly dry after heavy thunder showers. 

 Big slabs of York stone-paving were placed upon 

 it, but sufficient space was left between each for 

 Alpine pinks, saxifrages, sedums, and pansies to 



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