BULBS ON ROCKERIES. 25 



high, that will form a dense carpet of foliage, as well as 

 produce a mass of flowers and add an additional attraction 

 to the rockery. It may be thought that these plants will 

 impoverish the soil and affect the growth of the bulbs. As 

 a rule, however, this does not occur. In any case if the 

 bulbs should show signs of deterioration it is an easy 

 matter to lift them when their foliage has died down, and 

 replenish the soil, afterwards replanting as before. Apart 

 from clothing the bare surface and protecting the bulbs 

 in winter, the carpeting of foliage intensifies the beauty 

 of such bulbs as produce their flowers before their leaves, 

 as in the case of autumn and spring flowering crocuses and 

 colchicums, for example. 



There are several annuals that may be sown in April 

 as carpeting plants for small colonies of bulbs. For in- 

 stance, there is the Sweet Alyssum, and Asperula setosa 

 azurea, Clintonia (Downingia) elegans and pulchella, 

 Erinus alpinus (strictly a perennial, but may be grown as 

 an annual). Gypsophila elegans and muralis, and Lepto- 

 siphon (Gilia) densiflora, are also dwarf kinds specially 

 suitable for the purpose. 



Soil and Position. Each genus or family of bulbs 

 will require its own special soil and position, details of 

 which are given in the lists published on p. 48. There also 

 will be found information as to depth and distance apart to 

 plant the bulbs, and the proper time to do so. Strict at- 

 tention must be paid to all these points in order to ensure 

 success. Some of the bulbs, too, may require to be lifted 

 and replanted annually, particulars of which are supplied 

 in the chapter on lifting and storing. Hardy cyclamen 

 will be benefited by an annual mulching of rotten manure, 

 which should be supplied when growth is at rest. 



Protection. Calochorti, babianas, ixias, and such 

 irises as bakeriana, persica, and histrioides, should be pro- 

 tected from rains during the ripening period by covering 



