ROCK SHRUBS 47 



dwarf kinds, covering the ground with spreading masses 

 of graceful foliage, and blooming as early as June. 

 The Cornish Heath (E. vagans) and the Common Ling 

 (E. vulgaris) should be freely planted in rough meadow 

 land or woodland clearing ; bold drifts of either would 

 look well among the stones and dry bents skirting the 

 rock garden. 



Akin to the Heaths, and equally desirable, are the 

 dwarf Menziesias, tiny Alpine shrubs with dark tufts of 

 evergreen foliage and clusters of white and rosy bells. 

 M. coerulea, M. empetriformis, and M. polifolia are the 

 best known, and thrive in the higher ledges in a sandy- 

 peat soil. Near these we would place a clump of 

 Pernettyas (Prickly Heath) whose claim to distinction 

 lies in their large berries in all shades of scarlet and 

 purple. During the winter their bright appearance 

 is particularly welcome. 



The Skimmias, spreading evergreens from China and 

 Japan, are precious rock garden shrubs ; their small size 

 and adaptability to varying soils render them valuable 

 almost anywhere. Their bright shining leaves are 

 much like those of the Garland-flower (Daphne), whose 

 delicious fragrance rivals that of any other flower. 

 Such gems as these, far too small and dainty for the 

 mixed shrubbery, and quite unnecessarily grown in 

 pots, are best placed in the rock garden, where their 

 beauty can be readily appreciated. D. Cneorum, with 

 dense terminal umbels of pink flowers, blooms twice 

 in the year ; a small bush but a few inches high, 

 flooding the air with its perfume. The Rock Daphne 

 (D. rupestris) is a little more difficult to grow, and 

 demands slightly peaty soil with free drainage and 

 abundant moisture. If a slow grower, it is very free 

 blooming, the whole plant being densely covered with 

 waxy pink flowers. The old-fashioned Mezeron, the 

 joy of cottage gardens, blooms before winter is past. 



