1 42 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



considerations have had to be taken into account. In a small 

 garden not only is the space limited, but an effort has to be 

 made to prolong the display during as much of the year as 

 possible, and a representation of the various classes of plants 

 should also be included. Then, while the easiest subjects 

 need not always be included, it is necessary to confine our- 

 selves to those which are not among the really troublesome 

 flowers. Most of the strongest growers are omitted, but 

 Aubrietias, Phloxes, and Arenaria montana cannot be banished 

 altogether. Exception may well be taken to the small selec- 

 tion of certain plants given here, but this is due to the neces- 

 sity of affording as much variety as possible. Unless the 

 owner of the garden is obsessed with his fancy for certain 

 plants, he will be well advised not to make a collection of, 

 say, Saxifrages, worthy though these are of our full considera- 

 tion, but to cultivate alpines giving a more extended period 

 of bloom. 



It will be observed that a few bulbs are named, though 

 the list of these might be greatly extended. For various 

 reasons shrubs, with the exception of one or two, have been 

 omitted. These and other sins of omission are due to reasons 

 which seemed to the writer to be too powerful to ignore. 

 It may be added with respect to the cultural notes and other 

 information that sandy loam will answer for most of the 

 plants named. Some like lime, but all will do without it. In 

 conclusion, it may be said that the list is submitted in no 

 spirit of self-sufficiency, although it is founded on an actual 

 experience of at least thirty years in growing alpines in the 

 rock-garden. This really adds to one's diffidence in furnish- 

 ing it, owing to the full recognition of its many omissions 

 omissions which may to some appear unpardonable offences 

 against their favourites. See also pages 156 and 550. 



PROTECTING ALPINES AGAINST WIND AND 



RAIN 



A very effectual, inexpensive, and rapidly-arranged "pro- 

 tection " for delicate alpines is made as follows, and it has 

 the further advantage of cutting off the minimum of light, 

 being readily adapted to various sizes, such as single 

 plants, or clumps, and so useful for winter Crocuses, early 

 Narcissi, &c., in the rock garden. Moreover, while it is rigid, 

 it is capable of giving sufficiently to render a good account 





