230 PR^^CTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING 



if it is possible to secure small potted plants they are more easily 

 handled. Planting and buUding may often be done at the same 

 time and this is advisable where possible. 



SHRUBS IN ROCK G,AIU3ENS 



The introduction of small, compact growing shrubs will give an 

 appearance of stability to the rockery and deter the eye from taking 

 in too much at a time. IMany of the hardy heaths are suitable for 

 this purpose, as are also the Andromedas, Azaleas (Fig. 177), 

 Daphnes, Dwarf Rhododendrons and Cotoneasters. 



EVERGREENS IN THE ROCK GARDEN 



Coniferous evergreens should be used sparingly in the rock 

 garden. The tall, upright tj'pes are not in keeping, and' all those 

 with golden or silvery foliage should be omitted. Some of the dwarf 

 Junipers, such as J. tamariscifolia and J. sabina prostrata, are use- 

 ful, as are the dwarf Spruces such as Picea Remonti, and the dwarf 

 Retinisporas as Retinispora obtusa nana. 



THE HEATHERS 



The hardy heaths bloom from April until July. The first to bloom 

 is Erica mediterranea. This variety makes its flower buds in the 

 Summer and blooms the following April and jMay. Other hardy 

 kinds are E. Tetralix, E. cinerea, E. vagans, E. cUiaris and Calluna 

 vulgaris. 



Used in the rock garden the heaths should be planted in clumps 

 rather than as individual plants. A rather peaty soil should be 

 pro\-ided and the plants placed close together, protecting the roots 

 from wind and undue exposure. 



