NATURALISTIC ROCK GARDEN 
(SEE PLAN NO. 10) 
ROCK garden that is wholly artificial requires much skill in con- 
struction in order that it may appear somewhat as a part of the 
natural soil formation. We shall imagine for our present pur- 
pose that on a rather steep bank of good loamy soil sloping to the north- 
east there are already three big boulders, marked A, B, and C on the 
plan. The contour lines, marked at the ends with numbers, show ap- 
proximate successive elevations in feet above the base of one of the large 
trees upon the slope. 
We shall add rocks in small sizes as indicated by the cross-hatched 
areas, putting gritty soil between them, and lay out a path before we con- 
sider the planting, for it is a question of planting an irregular border on 
a steep slope, using dwarf herbs, not necessarily alpine or rock-loving 
species. 
To complicate our problem we indicate the presence of two big Ken- 
tucky Coffee Trees (Gymnocladus dioica) below the rocks on the north 
side, and they shade a part of the area all the day: while a group of Sugar 
Maples (Acer saccharum) above the bank casts shadows on the garden 
most of the afternoon. 
A row of flat stones makes the path, and gives the idea that a real 
ledge lies beneath. I have indicated only the larger rocks to be added; 
the smaller ones used as wedges are not shown. Each stone is to be set 
deeply enough that it cannot slide, and no rocks are to be set one upon 
another. 
Each letter or number on the plan means a group of ten or more of 
the plant indicated by the list. The effects aimed for may be easily 
learned from a study of the plan and list. Blue is the prevailing color, 
with white and pink for contrast. Construction and planting could be 
finished by two men in three days if the soil works readily. If the garden 
is the success that it should be, in another year it may be extended along 
the bank. 
_ The shrubs that we use are of a dense dwarf spreading nature and 
hold their foliage the season through. We have put them mostly along 
by the stones that make the path to mark it plainly for our feet. 
The herbs also that we use are mostly of an evergreen character and 
their tufted green leaves will be interesting all winter. As far as possible 
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