146 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



When the body of a rock garden is made up of soil 

 from a freshly broken pasture it generally contains 

 wireworms. Growers of Carnations know from bitter 

 experience how fond this pest is of their favourites. 

 Alas ! it is also partial to the Alpines. Loam ought 

 to be in stock for several months before it is used, and 

 lime may be added liberally when it is made up. The 

 florist often uses baits formed of pieces of Potato or 

 Carrot impaled on stout stakes and thrust into the 

 soil near the plants, but this plan is not so simple on 

 a rockery as in a bed. If any plants dwindle they 

 should be taken up, and such wireworms as are found 

 around them destroyed. 



The following are beautiful Pinks, well suited to 

 the rockery, and admirably calculated to adorn it : 



Alpinus : this dehghtful little Alpine Pink is much 

 in favour with flower-lovers, and it may well be, for 

 it is a real rockery gem. Growing only about four 

 inches high, it has dense foliage and brilliant deep 

 rose flowers two inches or more across, borne singly 

 on the stems. It particularly enjoys limestone chips 

 and frequent top-dressing. Florists offer a white 

 variety {alhus). Alpinus blooms in June. 



Arenarius, the " Sand Pink,'* forms dense cushions 

 and produces white fringed flowers with crimson spots 

 an inch across in summer. It grows about six inches 

 high. 



Caesius, the " Cheddar Pink,'' is an exquisite native 

 plant with pale rose, scented flowers in summer, growing 

 about six inches high. It is a great lover of limestone, 

 and will grow on old walls, as well as in the border. 



