28 ROCK AND WATER GARDENS 



There is no comparison between the stiff lines of 

 Snowdrops and Crocuses used so frequently as border 

 edgings, and the same flowers grown in drifts and 

 colonies among the stones in the rock garden. There is, 

 too, so much variety among these bulbous plants that 

 they may be used with certainty of success under almost 

 any circumstances. 



Before the winter snow has disappeared, the narrow 

 leaf spikes of Iris reticulata begin to show above the 

 ground. A small colony of these flowers produces a 

 beautiful effect in the rock garden. There are several 

 varieties, but none can exceed the gold and violet 

 splendour of the common Netted Iris. I. r. cyanea is a 

 dwarf blue form, and purpurea with rich purple flowers 

 is adapted to warm sheltered corners. Krelagei 

 blooms much earlier than others of the genus, but 

 neither the colouring nor the fragrance are so 

 pronounced as in the type. The Netted Irises are not 

 particular as to soil, but prefer that of a somewhat 

 sandy character. Grown in bold clumps, with a ground- 

 work of small Ferns and Mossy Saxifrages, they are 

 among the best of early bulbs. 



Another good dwarf Iris is the Armenian variety, 

 I. Bakeriana. It is much like reticulata in colour, but 

 possesses a distinctive charm in its violet-like scent. 

 The Iberian Flag (I. iberica) is worth growing if only 

 for the singular beauty of its flowers ; the contrast 

 between the purple-veined falls, with their sheen of 

 gold, and the violet-pencilled standards is very striking. 

 A warm, well-drained soil is necessary, as the rhizomes 

 decay unless they are kept dry during the winter. 

 When planting, the roots should be surrounded with 

 sand. Iris cristata (Crested Iris) is a gem for the rock 

 garden, where it may be grown on sunny ledges with a 

 carpeting of small-leaved Alpines. It is only a few 

 inches high, with broad leaves and pale-blue flowers, 



