30 



ALPINE FLOWERS 



[PART I. 



not much warmer than our own, should always have the 

 warmest positions we can give them. And in the case of the 

 species that require shade, it is quite possible to grow them in 

 recesses in the rock-garden, and in deep passages leading 

 through it, even if a portion be not specially designed as a 

 fernery. Some small species and varieties may be used in any 

 aspect as a graceful setting to flowering plants. Among the 

 select lists, that of the Ferns that thrive best in open exposed 

 places may meet the wants of some, but where the fernery is 

 specially designed as a part of the rock-garden, there is no 

 necessity for any selection, as all hardy kinds may then be 

 grown. 



Even the rare Kil- 

 larney Fern, usually 

 kept in houses, may 

 be grown successfully 

 in a cave in the rock- 

 garden. The illustra- 

 tion shows the en- 

 trance to Mr Back- 

 house's cave for grow- 

 ing this plant. It is 

 in a deep recess, per- 

 fectly sheltered and 

 surrounded by high 

 rocks and banks 

 clothed with vegeta- 

 tion. Here in the 

 darkness grows the 



Entrance to Cave for Killarney Fern. Kilkmey Fern, tuftS 



of Hart's Tongue guarding the entrance. 



ROCKS FORMED OF CONCRETE. 



Picturesque effects may be effected in this way, and may be 

 graced with shrubs and vigorous trailing plants, but itjis 

 unsuitable for alpine plants. When properly constructed, 



