THE GARDEN AT HOME 



of rocks of more or less conical shape is to embed them 

 deeply (to the extent of one-third or one-half) in the soil, 

 and so to arrange them that they slope towards the 

 bank. Then all debris that collects on the rock surface, 

 and all moisture that falls, will find its way to the roots 

 of the plants. It is equally important, too, in disposing 

 the rocks on a wide, sloping surface, to take care that one 

 does not overhang another immediately beneath, other- 

 wise the plants that are below may perish for want of 

 moisture. 



As in wall gardening so in making a rockery, it is 

 necessary to ensure that the roots of each plant have 

 direct access to plenty of soil, or they will certainly die 

 in hot weather. Each crevice between the rocks should 

 be filled with soil, so that the roots may be sustained 

 as they make their way to the soil bed proper. The 

 formation of " pockets " in the open spaces between 

 the rocks allows one to make little beds of soil to 

 suit certain special kinds of flowers, and gives the 

 plants an opportunity of becoming well established. The 

 use of smaller pieces of stone round about the " pockets " 

 prevents the soil from being washed away an eventuality 

 that is likely to occur if the plants are put in sharply 

 sloping ground. It is a mistake to make the rockery very 

 steep, for the plants towards the top are apt to be left 

 high and dry, while those at the base get more than their 

 fair share of moisture. 



The site available for the rock garden will largely 



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