2 ROCK AND WATER GARDENS 



As its name suggests, the "rockery" is a collection of 

 rock fragments and odd pieces of stone, among which a 

 few plants have either been planted or become established. 



The rock garden is quite different. It is a definite 

 piecing together of natural rock and stone, and is so 

 formed that it shall offer ideal conditions for the growing 

 of Alpines and such plants as occur naturally on mountain 

 sides and at high elevation. In the rock garden the first 

 thought is for the plants that will occupy it : in the 

 " rockery " the disposal of so many loads of debris is the 

 usual aim in view. 



A rock garden may occupy practically any area of 

 ground, but the idea that the term can only be applied 

 justly to large and important places is certainly erroneous. 

 It is possible to make a charming home for Alpines which 

 will cover only a few square yards of earth, and if the 

 plants and not the stones are the reason for its existence, 

 it will be a garden, and surely one of beauty. 



It has seemed to me important thus to emphasise the 

 distinction between the rock garden and the " rockery." 

 For one thing it will help to make more clear sugges- 

 tions following ; for another, the condemnation of the 

 " rockery " opens out new possibilities to those whose 

 knowledge of Alpine plants is somewhat limited. And, 

 too, it is surely worth while taking pains to understand 

 the needs of the many exquisite families of miniature 

 flowers which deck the mountain slopes, and spring 

 from ledge and crevice, colouring the grey solitudes with 

 wondrous beauty. 



In all good gardening it is necessary to have a clear idea 

 at the outset what we mean to do. There is too much 

 blind groping after effect, too much carelessness, and the 

 vague supposition that everything will come right in the 

 end. We defy Nature at every turn, and then look to 

 her to conceal and beautify our thoughtless efforts. It 

 is true that garden-making never is and never can be 



