Some Tender Sorts 93 



good effect would be non-existent. Far better that a 

 rocky bank had been formed than these tons of rock 

 piled high, demonstrating but one thing — what not to 

 do. Then, whether in the rock garden or elsewhere, 

 the plants should appear in visible groups or masses, 

 not pocketed here and there in isolation. To what 

 good effect we might use them will depend upon the 

 size and extent of the erection. If small — say under 

 a quarter of an acre — a few groups of some of the more 

 distinct should suffice. Frequently on the upper reaches 

 of the rock garden, where tall herbaceous plants 

 appear unhappily placed, these heaths would constitute 

 the best possible adornment — garniture of a type un- 

 eqiialled from January to December. For not only is 

 there the beauty of flowering, there is a charm of leaf 

 and colour warmth even from the dried and withered 

 flowers which is acceptable at other times. The best 

 general planning season is the autumn. Unless in 

 favoured districts the more tender sorts, lusitanica 

 (Portuguese Heath), Arborea, Mediterranea and its 

 varieties, and the newer Veitchi should not be used. 

 Moreover, their taller growth, often six to ten feet 

 high, unfits them for use in the rock garden generally. 



