CHAPTER VII 

 ROCKERIES, FRAMES, AND WARDIAN CASES 



Given such protection from wind and burning sunshine as we find 

 prevailing in those spots where Ferns best luxuriate in their native 

 habitats, properly constructed rockeries in the open are admirably 

 adapted for their culture. It is always, indeed, in broken, rough, and 

 rocky soils that we find Ferns at their best, provided that shade- 

 giving trees shelter them both from the rough breeze and the too 

 ardent sunbeams, and that moist conditions prevail. When, there- 

 fore, the construction of a Rock Fernery be considered, a position 

 and aspect should be chosen which tallies as nearly as possible 

 with the conditions aforesaid. The main slopes of the rockwork 

 should face north or east, and, of course, if a belt of trees or tall 

 shrubs can be utilized as a wind-screen so much the better, since 

 the fronds can never display their natural delicacy and grace if 

 unduly exposed to rough breezes. Ferns, although fond of moisture, 

 are averse to stagnant wet conditions, and the loose nature of 

 the soil we have described indicates good drainage. Having, 

 therefore, chosen the site for a rockery, it is best to begin the 

 mound, if such has to be constructed, by making a heap of loose 

 brick, or other open and lasting material, some feet deep, covering 

 this with good garden soil, avoiding stiff clayey material, which 

 soil should be heaped high enough to provide for considerable 

 settlement. The mound being made of the required shape and size 

 the placing of the rockwork should begin, and for this purpose 

 porous sandstone should be used if procurable, though good effect 

 may be attained by the use of brick burrs, or the misshapen masses 

 of spoilt bricks which accumulate at most brickfields. This material 

 is very congenial to Ferns owing to its porous nature, and if the 

 burrs be carefully selected, and all corners knocked off, they answer 

 the purpose exceedingly well, and do not offend the eye by an 

 appearance of artificiality. Clinkers should be strenuously avoided ; 

 we do not see clinkers in nature, and natural effects are what we aim 

 at. Shells, corals, and similar things we have seen associated with 

 rockeries, much to the disgust of any well-constituted mind. Having 

 the material ready, the placing should commence at the bottom of 



