PLANTS FOR GROUND COVER 201 



esting flowers. This list of plants does not endeavour to cover the 

 group shown under "perennials valuable for ground cover in wild 

 garden areas," but if one is seeking more complete information on this 

 subject both this group and the discussion on "wild garden areas" 

 should be consulted. (Chapter XXXI-C.) 



The question of how to make interesting those embankments and 

 slopes that are otherwise unattractive is one which often confronts us. 

 The plants which are used for this purpose are included under the 

 groups of shrubs, ^perennials, and vines, and the kind of materials 

 selected, whether shrubs, perennials, or vines, depends upon the scale 

 of the effect which is desired. That is, for coarse, rocky embank- 

 ments, marked with large boulders, and which are to have a rocky 

 appearance, the larger shrubs and vines are most valuable, while for 

 a more refined effect in the intimate portions of the landscape setting 

 the perennials and smaller-growing vines are more effective. Most 

 embankments and rocky slopes are composed of sandy, well-drained, 

 and generally dry soil. Here plants such as roses, matrimony vine, 

 and buffalo berry are valuable for their fruit. The honeysuckles and 

 the yellow-root are valuable for their foliage, and the flowering rasp- 

 berry and prairie rose for their flowers. Most plantings in such sit- 

 uations will require considerable care and watering during the first two 

 years after transplanting. But subsequent to this time these plants, 

 if properly selected, will continue to thrive, having been thoroughly 

 acclimated to the new location. 



Another valuable group of ground-cover plants are those which 

 are used to fill crevices between stepping-stones or between the flag- 

 ging of paved terrace areas. This list is composed of small-flowering 

 and foliage plants, both perennials and annuals, which are usually 

 planted in small soil spaces between the stones. Their greatest value 

 is to relieve the monotonous, bare effect of walks and terra.ce areas, 

 to which so much interest would be added by a touch of colour, either 

 in foliage or flowers, obtained through a proper planting of well- 

 selected material included in this group. Many of these plants, if left 

 to themselves, will after the first two or three years spread rapidly 

 and will require much attention to keep them within the proper limits. 

 Many paved walk and terrace areas are overplanted and consequently 

 a careful selection of a few of these plants is much better than an 

 over-supply. The rock cress, sea thrift, stonecrop, and creeping phlox 

 are types which are adapted to the small, refined spaces, while for 



