ROCKWORK FOR FERNS 63 



for vigorous growers. This wonderful for- 

 mation is full of tiny grottoes, snug re- 

 treats and alluring nooks for the long list 

 of dainty ferns which Nature tucks away 

 in sheltered niches amid the ruins of the 

 foreworld. 



Although it is designed to make this rock 

 garden a repository for a botanical collection, 

 no attempt will be made toward grouping 

 genera and species, since artistic value is not 

 a secondary consideration. Only single 

 specimens of the larger ferns will be admitted, 

 but the lesser growths will be largely in evi- 

 dence. 



Space is left outside the walls for massing 

 the common bracken or brake (Pteridium 

 aquiltnum), ostrich fern (Matteuccia Struthi- 

 opteris) and the interrupted fern (Osmunda 

 Claytoniand). The tall fronds arching over 

 the fawn-coloured stones will exquisitely 

 frame the picture in the near future. 



The royal fern (Osmunda spectahilis) is an 

 admirable queen for the central pocket; 

 maids of honour will be selected for contrast- 



