THE GARDEN AT HOME 



I think it necessary, for the home gardener will do far 

 better to begin with a few that give a maximum of 

 blossom while needing a minimum of care. As his 

 knowledge grows and his enthusiasm increases he will 

 year by year add fresh treasures to his alpine garden, and 

 soon discover their likes and dislikes. The double white 

 Rock Cress (Arabis albida) ; the yellow Madwort (Alyssum 

 saxatile) ; purple Rock Cress (Aubrietia) in several 

 varieties, notably Pritchard's Ai, Dr. Mules, Fire King, 

 and Moerheimi ; Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis semper- 

 virens) ; Saxifraga hypnoides and Wallacei ; Alpine Phlox 

 (Phlox subulata), especially the varieties Vivid and G. F. 

 Wilson, are all easily grown, and soon form large masses 

 that are smothered in bloom in spring. They thrive in 

 any position providing the roots are in good soil. The 

 Iberis looks especially charming if planted at the top of 

 a tall rock and allowed to fall over the face, which soon 

 becomes draped in lovely greenery and in spring in 

 exquisite bloom. The Aubrietias form perfect close- 

 fitting carpets of grey leaf in a year or two, and cover a 

 rock or mound most charmingly, while the Saxifrages 

 are admirable for forming large patches between the 

 rocks. The Alpine Pinks, especially Dianthus alpinus, 

 caesius, and deltoides, look their best when perched on 

 some rocky ledge, for the plants revel in sunshine if the 

 roots are deep in soil. A charming grey-leaved creeping 

 plant, that bears white blossom in June, is Achillea 

 umbellata. It thrives with little care, although a well 



132 



