THE NEW SUBURBAN GARDEN 223 



are of greater interest than the common Dutch varieties 

 and do well in suburban gardens. 



Iceland Poppies are pretty and come readily from 

 seed. The Alpine Phloxes are splendid plants, yet are 

 inexpensive. Several of the good kinds referred to in 

 chapter vi. should certainly be planted, for if they thrive, 

 as they probably will, they will make a delightful 

 display in early summer. Anoena, reptans and several 

 varieties of subulata (setacea) ought to be grown. 



Finally there is Veronica repens, one of the cheapest 

 and best of all rock plants, soon filling a large pocket, 

 and covered with its deep blue spikes for several 

 months. 



The suburban gardener should proceed experimentally 

 with his rock plants, because it is almost impossible for 

 anyone to tell him what will and what will not succeed. 

 He should watch the progress of those which he plants, 

 and use more of the good kinds which make themselves 

 at home. Delicate and fastidious plants will be best 

 left to those who pursue rock gardening under more 

 favourable circumstances. 



Success will turn largely upon the watering. In hot 

 summer weather the rockery should be well watered 

 through a rose every evening, not only the plants but 

 the whole surface of the soil and stones being thoroughly 

 moistened. This will help the plants to recuperate after 

 a trying day of fierce heat, and strengthen them for a 

 similar ordeal on the morrow. 



A pool will be a pleasant adjunct to one corner of the 

 garden. If there is a greenhouse or other building near, 

 the roof water may be taken to it. The basin need not 

 be more than two feet deep, and less will suffice. Great 

 depth will naturally be avoided the more carefully if 

 there are children about. With the latter to cater for, a 



