ROCK GARDENS 141 



and the small shrubs, such as Cytisusprcecox, Cistus cyprius, 

 and berberis that flourish towards the higher parts, one 

 moves on, by paved paths, towards the summer-house at 

 B, which is on much higher ground, and therefore over- 

 looks the whole. The impression is that of restfulness. 

 Whether it be stones, plants, or shrubs, they are grouped 

 several stones together, three or four of the same 

 shrubs placed in what we may express as " careful 

 irregularity " but close to one another. This is perhaps 

 the keynote of all natural planting, whereby the eye is 

 drawn from one mass of the same colour to another 

 similar one, across an intervening space, which is in 

 harmony with both. It needs great imagination ; for we 

 must picture line and shape of hillside before the planting 

 is commenced, and yet, whilst it is being shaped, we are 

 composing both colour-scheme and shape of all the plant 

 and shrub groups that are to be. 



Such a garden will require careful watchfulness a year 

 or two after it has become established, and certain shrubs 

 which have become too massive may have to be removed ; 

 or, if they are special favourites, smaller ones over- 

 shadowed by them will need to be transplanted. 



A rock garden is a difficult thing upon which to express 

 an opinion until we are certain of the length of time it 

 has been in existence. Some, after the first year, might 

 appear bare and stony to the uninitiated. Others, older 

 ones, which have existed some five or more years, and 

 were perhaps planted by an expert, by whom size and 

 proportion were carefully considered at the time of plant- 

 ing, have totally outrun the original intention. They look, 

 to one who knows, like lanky schoolboys who want new 

 coats and trousers, so much have legs and arms outgrown 

 the original garments. In short, a rock garden, once 

 planted, cannot be left to itself. It needs careful yearly, 

 even twice yearly, thinning out. 



