34 , LITTLE GARDENS 
very little dust finds its way into the centre of the flowers, and what 
dust there is is easily washed off without injuring the blooms. 
Abutilons and Nasturtiums are also recommended. Among hardy 
flowers Columbine, Pentstemon, and Snapdragon are some of the 
best. Tufted Pansies may be included because the blooms are not 
injured where the dust is washed off with the help of a fine rosed 
watering can. Plants with narrow leaves and small flowers are 
certainly the best for dusty gardens. Roses are perhaps the most 
unsatisfactory of all, especially those with cup shaped blossoms. 
Double Geraniums are better than single ones. Sweet Peas may be 
grown because if the dust is removed by syringing gently no harm is 
done to the flowers. 
HOW TO MAKE A SMALL ROCKERY 
A regular surface outline is to be avoided. Bold, angular 
projections are features of natural rockery formation, and one 
should endeavour to imitate Nature as closely as possible. A 
rockery loses in value if placed as an isolated object in the garden. 
It should form part of it, and this effect may be achieved by 
extending the rockery in as natural a manner as possible until 
only a few stones mark its commencement. The small rockery 
gains by having a suitable background. 
The Material.—Various kinds of stone may be used; but 
pieces of rock hewn from a quarry, or rough boulders gathered 
from a stream or river bed, are the most suitable. They should 
vary in size and shape, then it will be a much easier matter to 
obtain a good effect. It should be remembered that the more 
irregularly shaped the stones are, the more suitabie will they be. 
Even in a small rockery several stones ought to be‘long and 
pointed; if properly placed they will form a distinct feature. 
Again, some of the stones should be almost square in shape, but 
preferably broad and fat with square shaped edges. These are 
valuable for forming ledges. Some think that any kind of rubbish 
will do for the plants to grow in; it may be placed. in the 
bottom, or bed of the rockery, but should not be used near the 
surface nor amongst the stones. A good general soil consists of 
fibrous loam, leaf soil, and peat in equal proportions, with a free 
admixture of old mortar rubbish. The ingredients should be well 
mixed together, and the greater portion of the bulk placed in the 
desired position before the rock stones are fixed. 
Building the Rockery.—Having heaped up the main portion 
of soil, commence to fix the stones around the base, embedding 
them in the soil so that they will not get displaced later on. In 
fixing the stones it must be seen that sufticient space is left 
between them for soil and plants. But the space should be varied ; 
for example, between two stones a space of 3 inches might be 
allowed ; and between the two neighbouring stones, a space of 
