jVciture s < ^Jvock arete n 
The closer you simulate nature in making your rock garden, 
the greater its success. Mountain slopes, verdure covered ravines, 
sheer cliffs or alpine meadows are easily duplicated in miniature 
right in your own back yard. Their perfection will depend upon 
the discrimination used in arranging rocks, choosing and locating 
plants, and last but not least, avoiding the inclusion of everything 
obviously out of place in nature. 
Avoid the all too common “museum” effects that feature 
gnomes, stone ornaments, cast iron dogs, fancy seats, bird baths 
and numerous other curiosities. Fancy or “beautiful” rocks sel¬ 
dom “fit” in natural settings any more than do lumps of concrete 
or discarded paving. 
Study these “natural” rock gardens, patterned after alpine 
masterpieces. Let them inspire you to make your rock garden as 
perfect as possible. 
Rock plants love 
to send their roots 
down deep among 
the cool rocks. 
"Come into the garden, friend, for we adore it 
and wish to share its treasures with thee; 
We feel did thee know its secrets and charms, it 
would make thy zvorld-zvorn soul carefree.” 
Wrong —Rocks over¬ 
hanging each other, pre¬ 
venting moisture from 
seeping in to the roots 
of plants. 
-— Lyman. 
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