Garden Work 
1 86 
In very hot and dry weather the rockery will need 
attention, to prevent damage from drought. It will also 
be noticed that some of the plants will grow more quickly 
than others, and these will have to be watched, or they 
will overcrowd the smaller and less robust ones. Under 
the artificial state of growth, it will be found that some 
of the plants will deteriorate, and the soil will become 
more or less exhausted. When this happens, the rockery 
should be thoroughly overhauled, some of the old soil 
taken away, and fresh soil put in its place. At the same 
time, renew any of the plants which show signs of decay, 
and thin out those which have outgrown their space. Most 
of the Alpine plants are readily propagated from cuttings, 
or by division, bringing them on in small pots in a cold 
frame until they are ready for planting. 
The following are some of the commoner rock or Alpine 
plants : — 
Achillea umbellata. — A compact little plant with 
silvery leaves and white flowers. It is about 8 in. high. 
Alyssum saxatile compactum. — Very compact, with 
golden flowers. Height, 3 or 4 in. 
Antennaria tomentosa. — Pretty plant, with yellow 
and white flowers. It forms a carpet of white leaves. 
Arabis lucida.— Bright-green leaves and white flowers. 
Also a variegated variety with golden margins to the leaves 
Flowers in May and June. 
Arenaria balearica.— Pretty plant with very minute 
leaves, producing great numbers of white flowers. Forms 
quite a carpet. 
Aster alpinus. — Very small Aster, 6 to 8 in. high, pro- 
ducing numerous blue flowers in June. 
