230 
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA. 
tions that we note the surprising beauty (if the Alpines. 
Before beginning the details of choosing the site, i 
should like to say a word on a few rock gardens that I 
have had the pleasure of visiting : 
< >n the estate of Mr. Hanbury at East Grimstead, Eng- 
land, are very large and extensive rock gardens covering 
five acres of ground. In these gardens a large variety of 
trees and shrubs are used in a very effective manner ; 
such varieties as Juniperus, Pinus, Retinospora, and 
Thuga of the Coniferous section being in evidence, as 
well as many flowering shrubs, including Azalea, Ber- 
berus, Cotoneaster, Cistus, Daphne, and like species. 
In many other smaller gardens that I have visited I 
have noticed the verv evident mistake of planting regard- 
less of the habits of the plants, and thus we and the 
strong growing plants like Arabis. Aubretia and Ceras- 
tum crowding out the smaller and none less interesting 
varieties. Then, too, we find plants planted on a rock 
where it is impossible for the roots to penetrate into the 
soil, thus causing them to become baked and yellow in 
the drv season, and causing them to become so unhealthy 
that they often do not survive the following cold spell. 
In choosing the site for the rock garden it is almost 
impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules as to posi- 
tion, since there is such a large variety of plants to select 
from that we are able to use them in almost any location. 
If possible, the site should be free from the shade and 
drip of trees, as verv few plans flourish in such quarters. 
An extra charm will be added if the garden is in a some- 
what secluded spot formed in such a manner that one 
would not be able to see it until close upon it. This al- 
ways lends a most desired effect and gives whoever sees 
it a lasting impression. Some prefer to build so as to rep- 
resent a series of cliffs, ledges, and nooks as are seen in 
Nature and which, if copied, will have a very pleasing 
effect. 
Charming and effective Alpine gardens can be made 
without using a great number of rocks in their forma- 
tion ; those which are used being so placed that two or 
three rocks peep out here and there, giving shelter and 
all necessary conditions required by the plants growing 
on and about them. To work out this particular style we 
must have plenty of space at our disposal, otherwise it 
would present a crowded effect. Given the space, it gives 
an admirable setting for the planting of Ericas. Rhodo- 
dendrons, and other shrubs. Do not forget that what 
one person likes another may find distasteful, so to a 
large extent the site and style of a rockery must be left 
to individual taste. 
Apart from that, however, the nature of the ground 
at one"s disposal must at all times be taken into consider- 
ation ; whether it is high or low, sheltered or exposed. 
Should the soil be light and sandy it will lend itself to 
the excavation plan which is generally adopted in form- 
ing dips and hillocks in the rockwork. Should we have 
a soil that is stiff and stringy and the drainage faulty, it 
it better not to lower it, but rather raise it with plenty of 
good earth, not too rich. Terraces are often built of 
rock to shelter the tennis court or herbaceous garden on 
the north or northeast and such terraces have a much 
better appearance than the formal brick walls or picket 
fences so commonly used. 
Questions often arise as to the best materials to use in 
building : The plants naturally prefer rocks that are able 
to absorb the moisture and this is always verv beneficial 
during the hot weather. Rocks must be selected, how- 
ever, that will withstand the severe frosts or we will have 
to build all over again. A good sandstone is one of the 
best materials to use. provided it will withstand the 
weather. I have also seen old bricks arranged and ce- 
mented together and afterward washed over with a mix- 
ture of cement and sand. 1 cannot go into the details 
of the requirements of. all the plants, but as most of them 
prefer a sharp soil, old mortar rubble will furnish this re- 
quirement for the greater number of plants. 
When building the garden Nature should be copied 
closely as regards the drainage, general outline, and 
other points. Before commencing to build a plan should 
be marked out, no matter how rough, so that we will have 
a definite idea of what the finished work is to be like be- 
fore we start it. We begin by putting in a good drainage 
of stones and mortar rubble well mixed with the soil, ar- 
Hcre Nature is Strictly Adhered to in the Irregular Construction 
of the Path, Mnking a Very Effective Setting 
to the Surroundings 
ranging the ground at disposal so as to give the best 
possible effect. 
The soil may be excavated to represent defiles, using 
the earth thus removed to form our elevations. Cliffs 
should be made to stand boldly out, lending a rugged and 
charming effect. We can thus use the means at our dis- 
posal to find suitable aspects for the various plants, but 
whatever the design, attend to the drainage well. 
This done, begin laying the rocks on their beds, gener- 
ally the largest flat side down, and arrange them if possi- 
ble so that they may be planted with suitable plants to 
mask them. Always arrange them so that the water will 
run into, the rockwork and thus keep the plants moist 
(Continued on page 244.) 
