vi Preface 



every confidence, not only by the beginner but by all 

 who are in any doubt as to the best methods to pursue. 

 Believing as we do that sound information is of the 

 utmost importance in a book on gardening, no effort 

 has been spared to make this little volume as practical 

 as possible, and it is with this end in view that the text 

 and illustrations have been prepared. 



The excellent reception accorded Mr. Jenkins' 

 " Hardy Flower Book " has induced us to adopt a 

 somewhat similar arrangement in this companion 

 volume. The selection of a suitable site and the proper 

 construction of a rock garden are the first essentials to 

 success, and these are fully dealt with in the opening 

 chapters. Bogs and cascades, the Moraine, wall gar- 

 dening and paved pathways, all of which are legitimate 

 adjuncts to the rock garden, are dealt with in separate 

 chapters. Town and suburban gardens are not ideal 

 for the cultivation of alpines, but many of necessity cul- 

 tivate their plants in such surroundings, and for their 

 assistance a special chapter has been included. The 

 tabulated lists of plants suitable for all purposes and 

 seasons with their height, necessary aspect, soil, colour, 

 flowering period and method of propagation, will pro- 

 vide the reader at a glance with the necessary cultural 

 details of the best alpine plants, and the list of undesir- 

 able plants for the rock garden concludes what is 

 hoped will prove a practical and valuable guide to all 

 who are interested in rock gardens and the beautiful 

 if lowly flowers that find a home therein. 



