WILD GARDENS AND ROCK GARDENS 



229 



Fig. 1 77. — Small, compact growing shrubs are introduced into a rock garden not only for 

 their floral beauty, but to add stability. — See page 230 



on the contrary, it may be very much varied. An important con- 

 sideration in the building of such steps is stabihty. Large, heavy 

 stones should be selected for the base and placed on a firm founda- 

 tion. As the other stones are placed they should all he firmly and 

 the soil between be well rammed to prevent too much settling. The 

 planting may usually be done as the work is in progress; the plants 

 will then be better placed, the roots spread more easily. The pockets 

 for plants should be so made as to prevent the crushing of the 

 roots as the work progresses. Plants that show to best advantage 

 on a flat surface should be given the preference, but in not too great 

 a variety. Plants suitable are Rock Cress {Arabis albida), Wail 

 Pepper (Sedum acre. — Fig. 176), Bugle {Ajuga repens), Harebell 

 (Campanula rotundifolia), Soapwort (Saponaria ocymoides) and 

 Speedwell {Veronica rupestris). 



TIJIE OF PLANTING 



Great care should be taken in planting Alpines or many failures 

 will result. Late Spring is the very best season for planting and 



