84 



Villa Gardens 



But, first and last, it must not be forgotten 

 that the rock garden Is contrived for the 

 special purpose of growing the hardy Alpine 

 plants, and nothing therefore should be in- 

 troduced into It or its neighbourhood that will 

 interfere with the health and beauty of its 

 inhabitants. Trees, for instance, should not 

 overhang It, nor should It be planted with 

 any of the annuals, which, charming as many 

 of them are, would be out of place amongst 

 the less showy, but equally interesting Alpine 

 flowers. 



A rock garden needs but little watering ; 

 but. If in a long period of drought the plants 

 show signs of distress, one abundant wetting 

 of soil and rocks will serve for a long time. 



