144 
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA 
and some rocks placed boldly out, others receding with 
nooks and crannies where the sun and shade loving 
plants can find a homelike environment. But wher- 
ever they are planted the only real road to success 
is in the question of soil and drainage. I consider two 
feet or more of good soil by no means excessive, for 
although most alpines are of lowly growth, their roots 
ramify deeply into the crevices and fissures of the 
rocks, enabling them to withstand the rays of the 
sun in the most exposed places ; the soil should be 
solid but well drained. I think more failures could be 
traced to the disregard of this most important thing 
than to any other cause I know of. 
I would be bold indeed to attempt to add to the vol- 
ume of information already published on this subject. 
I consider a little practical experience on the subject, 
combined with sound, common sense, with observa- 
tions on the habits of the plants, will take us further 
on the road to success than lots of theory, good 
though that is in its place. 
As to planting, copy nature as much as possible : 
avoid covering all 3'our rocks or stones. I consider 
that as great a mistake as to have all rocks without 
draping. Choose the happy medium ; much is left to 
the judgment and taste of the individual planter. 
The list of spring flowers is long and varied, and 
we also have many of the Dutch bulbs to choose 
from. 
Bold masses of one plant or color are preferable t<i 
small plants scattered around, as it gives the rockery 
a solid appearance. When the colors are well blended 
the result is very pleasing, as for instance the yellow. 
bronze and orange, combined with shades of blue, 
which go well together. 
Alyssum, saxatile, combined with the phlox Divari- 
cata, Laphami (Perry's var.) and Bronze Breeder tulip 
to follow narcissus, with Doronicusum in the back- 
ground. Hepatica Angulosa, Scilla Siberica, Grape 
Hyacinth, Heavenly Blue, Myosotis in Var., Aquilegia 
Coerulea, blue shades, with Crocus and Primulas or 
Polyanthus and Trollius Orange Globe, to furnish yel- 
low shades. 
Some good masses of Arabis Alpina, H. PL should 
be planted to break into the next shades of pink. One 
of the best is the phlox Sublata, a good plant for drap- 
ing the rock. Phlox Amoena, Dianthus Deltoides, 
Rock Pinks, Saponaria Ocymoides, the Soapwort, with 
the Daphne Creorum, and a Ijackground of Dielytra 
Spectablis, Pink Beauty tulip, with more white like 
Cerastium Alpinum. 
For purples and mauves the Aubretias furnish the 
main banks of this color. A. Deltoides is a fine purple. 
A Graeca and Grandiflora are lighter and with the Iris 
Pumila and I. Reticulata and I. \'iolacea all blend 
finely. Viola Purpurea, Primula Japonica, Fritalarias 
and purple Darwin Tulip, clumps of white Iberis — 
Sempervirens, the hardy candytufts, with Cerastum 
Tonentosum at the edge. For the brighter colors one 
must take the beautiful .A.zalea Hinodegiri, Dianthus 
Barbatus ; or Sweet William, Scarlet Gem, Chelone 
Barbatus, Anemone Fulgens, Heachera Sanguinea with 
some of the more recent hybrids, which are so light 
and graceful, remaining in bloom for months, and the 
stnall, bright Primula Cockburniana. 
All the above are the most common and man}' more 
might be mentioned, but in planting, one must also 
prepare for the later blooming subjects as Campanulas 
in variety. Heliathemum or Rock Roses, Plumbago 
Larperto and Lithospermum. Heavenly Blue is an 
improved variety, but avoid lime in the soil. Asclepia 
Tuberosa, a native plant, is well worth a place, as its 
bright orange flowers are most attractive. Many vari- 
eties of Sasifrages, Sedums, Sempervivans are all fine 
rock plants. Another native plant, the Thalictrum, is 
fine for its fernlike foliage and yellow flowers. 
The use of small shrubs will greatly enchance the 
appearance of the rock garden if used with discretion. 
The Japanese maples are fine in spring and fall on 
account of their beautiful coloring and graceful forms. 
Shrubby Spiraeas, Ferns, all the Ericas, Heaths and the 
low-growing Cotoneaster Horizontalis can be used to 
advantage in any part of the rockery. Some of the 
Pinus and Junipers make a fine background, but it 
would take much space to mention all worthy of a 
place, and the catalogue of a firm dealing in rock 
plants will be a good guide. 
If stone slabs are used for paths, such small plants 
as Erinus Alpinus, lonopsidum Acaule and Linaria 
Alpina could be planted between the stones. The 
Thymus in variety are nice and emit a refreshing odor 
when touched. All these add to the general appear- 
ance of and are in keeping with tlie character and 
charm of the rock garden. 
DALTURAS (TRUMPET FLOWERS). 
T 
HESE are, when well grown, exceedingly handsome 
plants, their magnificent bell-like, pendulous flowers 
emitting a delicious perfume during the afternoon and 
evening in the summer and autumn when planted out in 
the flower garden. The flowering season may be con- 
siderably prolonged when the plants are grown in the 
border of a cool conservatory or greenhouse. Daturas 
are of easy cultivation, aftd when well cared for will soon 
make large plants. The t)etter way of growing them is 
as standards, so that when; in bloom their long drooping 
flowers may be the better seen. In growing" them in the 
flower garden a position rather sheltered, but with a good 
proportion of sunshine, should be chosen. The plants 
may be safely put out about the end of May in good soil, 
not of a heavy character. Many growers put them after 
lifting into large pots or tubs, and turn them out of these. 
Treated thus the plants do not die back so far, and when 
planting time comes round they make a quicker start. 
When cultivated in a house either in tubs or in the border 
an annual prunning should be given them early in the 
spring : thus treated they would be kept fairly within 
bounds. 
Propagation is very simple, merely taking off the 
young shoots in the spring and striking them in a gentle 
heat, one cutting in a small pot. When struck grow on 
as fast as possible, keeping them to the one stem until of 
good height. They will yield a few flowers the first 
autumn when planted out, but the second season they 
should make a good show much earlier. As thev become 
older they flower more profusely, the growth then not 
being, of course, quite so luxuriant. 
W'hen planted out in the open ground Daturas are seen 
to the best advantage as centre plants to fairly large beds, 
with a carpeting of dwarf plants under them. They 
should not be smothered up with other things of tall 
growth, or the result will be a sacrifice of flower. — 
E.rchans:e. 
Criticism is to the growth of human habits as sunlight 
is to the growth of plants — it promotes growth or withers 
it according to the powers of resistance or absorption of 
humans and plants, respectively. 
