148 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



away before getting to the roots. It is a good plan to lay 

 stones over the roots, and this very much conserves the water 

 and shades the roots in exposed places from the hot sunshine. 



ANNUALS FOR THE ROCK-GARDEN 



A rock-garden or rock-path is a charming sight when well 

 furnished. However, as it is some time before the plants will 

 cover their allotted spaces, during the first year or two one 

 must have recourse to quicker-growing subjects. There 

 are so many annuals now, both dwarf and tall, which may be 

 used, that they are indispensable, and we are sure, when 

 once seen, will be looked for again. Many may be sown in 

 the open, others are best sown under glass and afterwards 

 transplanted, and of these latter we will give a selection. 

 There are, first, the Ageratums of soft blue, lavender, and 

 white, ranging in height from 4 inches to 18 inches ; Abronia 

 umbellata (the Sand Verbena), rosy pink and of trailing habit. 

 Then comes the annual Alyssum, Snow Carpet or procumbens. 

 which should be planted in good masses to produce the best 

 effect. Seed of this may also be sown where the plants are to 

 bloom. The individual plants spread out very quickly and 

 remain in bloom a long while. The flowers are very minute, 

 but produced in the greatest profusion. To go from white to 

 scarlet, there is Alonsoa Warscewiczii compacta, which is the 

 best. Planted in soil that is not too rich, it will not grow too 

 tall, and will flower more freely. 



The next we come to are the Antirrhinums (Snapdragons) 

 of the dwarf and intermediate sections. Though not true 

 annuals, they are usually treated as such. They have been 

 much improved as regards colour and form of late years, 

 and there is now plenty of variety. The dwarf forms may be 

 planted in masses of one colour, and should be given a bold 

 position, when their beauty will be much enhanced. The 

 intermediate varieties, which grow about eighteen inches high, 

 may be used in the same way. The Antirrhinum is not 

 particular as to soil, therefore may be planted where more 

 fastidious plants in this respect would fail. 



Delphinium Blue Butterfly is very pretty, and should be 

 sown early to obtain the best results. This should be given 

 good soil in a position where it will not get too dry, and it 

 will then present its true character. It is one of the best 

 blue-flowered annuals we have, and will flower over a long 



