THE ROCK GARDEN 



103 



another section, repeating in a different formation another such 

 group and making a consistent chain of rocks, or one large, rocky ledge. 

 Thought should be given to providing access to all parts of the 

 rockery, by means of appropriate paths. The best style is simply a 

 trail of stones with a more or less flat surface — worked harmoniously 

 in with the scheme and planted about. These paths should bring one 

 to the most interesting points. The central or main path can be 

 made of irregular broken flagstone, crushed stone, or gravel. 



No set rules can be stipulated as to arrangement, hence the diffi- 

 culty of trying to explain ideas. The best way to gain a clear con- 

 ception of this matter is to see and study an actual example either in 

 Nature or in some other man-made rockery. 



PLANTING 



Undoubtedly the greatest charm of the rock garden should be the 

 effect obtained by clothing the rock faces. Always plant in little 

 colonies of the same kind, that is, set half a dozen or so plants of one 

 variety in the same spot in the garden. Give the most favorable spots 

 to the choicest Alpine 

 gems, and keep the larger, 

 more vigorously growing 

 sorts away from their 

 weaker brothers. Don't 

 try to cover all the rock- 

 work, rather let it crop 

 out boldly at various 

 spots. Many rock plants, 

 such as the Saxifrages, 

 have a leaf growth that 

 forms a dense rosette 

 which would rot if water 

 lodged in the crown. 

 Such kinds are best 

 planted on a slant, or 

 even vertically. Pot 

 grown plants are best if 



the rockery is already con- ^ 40, 7 1 



structed, but if the plant- CorrcK=-L- J<dool^ go cJo^i\ xykero 

 ingisdoneasthebuilding ^^'^y <3lwe.ys f md soxrvc nsoistrirc. 

 progresses, field grown ^,'8- 93. -The wrong and the right way to set Alpme 

 , u 4. J plants in a rock garden. Provide deep soil pockets to 



plants are best used. retain moisture and harbor the plant roots 



y oat 



