THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE OF AMERICA 
347 
Showing how Saponaria ocymoides will cover unsightly ground 
in a short space of time, and requires very little attention. 
by the application of plenty of water, copiously given 
overhead to refresh them when the sun is off them, and 
to cool the surrounding air, seems the mode of cultiva- 
tion most corresponding to their natures. 
In cultivating a collection of choice Alpine plants, it is 
necessary, for the preservation of each species, that at 
least one plant or two should be kept in pots, as, when 
planted out upon the rocks, they are in danger of being 
overrun by their more rambling neighbors, or destroyed 
by excessive cold in winter. To prevent disappointment 
Showing Phlox sublata with Sedum spectabile, Sedum 
Kamtschaticum, Sedum Middcndorffiaintm. with Scmpcrvivi.tm 
planted in the crevices. 
and the loss of any valuable species, a collection should 
be kept in pots, which need not be larger in size, and a 
collection so kept has its beauties when arranged in a 
neat manner in the reserve rock garden upon a bed of 
finely sifted coal ashes, while during winter they ought 
to be plunged to the brim in the same material and cov- 
ered with frames, etc., the intention of which is the pres- 
ervation of the pots from expansion by frost as well as 
the preservation of the plants. 
There are many shrubs and dwarf conifers useful for 
the planting on the rockery ; particularly the stunted kinds 
of spruce, in addition to dwarf pines, various dwarf 
cypress, taxus and juniperus are useful. The dwarf 
rhododendrons may also be requisitioned, as they have 
the advantage of relieving the bareness of the rockery 
during winter. When evergreens are planted on the 
rockwork, they should be planted while quite small, for 
tiny plants grow and fit themselves to the surroundings 
better than do larger and more mature specimens. Thus 
a tiny plant with a small root system may be planted in 
a small crevice between stones and succeed quite well, 
whereas a large plant placed in a similar position would 
probably prove a failure. 
To secure a good stock of Alpines, seeds should be sown 
this month in a cold frame. The seed can be sown in 
drills from 4 to 6 inches apart and covered lightly. They 
will need to be kept moist and shaded until they begin 
A bit of truly rugged rock effect richly set with the more con- 
spicuous taller plants. 
to come up ; after the young seedlings are well up give 
them plenty of light and air, and some care as to watering, 
so as they do not become too wet or dry. When they are 
well out of the seed-leaf and have good roots they can be 
transplanted into other frames in rows about a foot apart, 
with 4 or 5 inches between the plants in the rows. They 
will have to be kept moist until they become well estab- 
lished, when they will start off into nice growth. 
A rock garden properly arranged and well cared for is 
a source of much enjoyment and a continuation of sur- 
prises, from early spring until late fall. The making of 
This glimpse 
mums, Erinus 
Portulacas, etc.. 
of the natural rock with .lubr 
alpinus, Centaurea montana, 
is typical of the example of roc 
ctias, Ilelianthe- 
Cerastitim, and 
k gardening. 
