130 TREES AND SHRUBS 



shade of bronzy crimson. Like other plants, Conifers 

 differ greatly as to constitution, and judgment must 

 be used in their choice. The dwarf alpine form of 

 the Common Juniper (Juniperus communis nana) is very 

 hardy and slow-growing, never becoming too ram- 

 pant for the smallest Rock Garden, and shares the 

 blue-grey tint which is so characteristic of this beau- 

 tiful species. Very distinct from it is the lovely 

 prostrate Savin (/. Sabina procumbens] y one of the 

 best of evergreen shrubs for the Rock Garden, and 

 one most restful and satisfying to the eye at all times 

 in its deep tones of sea green. 



Cupressus pisifera y almost plumose in one of its 

 many variations, and C. obtusa, both better known 

 perhaps under the garden name of Retinosporas, are 

 admirable, and may be used either in the normal or 

 the dwarf forms according to the greater or less 

 space at command. Almost the last tree, probably, 

 which one would expect to see draping the vertical 

 face of a rock is the Spruce Fir, yet a weeping variety 

 (Picea excelsa penduld) is exceedingly effective in such a 

 position as a foil to hanging masses of richly-coloured 

 Aubrietias or Golden Alyssum, while it looks well at 

 all seasons. Mention may here be made of a remark- 

 able Conifer, Cunninghamia sinensis, of great beauty 

 and very distinct character, which takes the shape, 

 in our climate, of a spreading bush, though in its 

 native habitat it grows into a tree of noble dimen- 

 sions. It is suitable only for a Rock Garden of 

 some boldness of construction, with which a mild 

 climate and a sheltered position are fortuitously com- 



