18 ROCK-GARDENS 
Edward Gillett, Southwick, Mass. 
A rock-gardcn planting showing what my Kern Collection No. 5 will produce 
THE HARDY ROCK-GARDEN 
The Rock-Garden has <rre;it possibilities. To tliose who love the dainty ferns and 
plants, such a garden all'ords a constant source of jileasure. In it can be planted a 
larger vaiiety of these tlian in tlie ordinary garden of the same proportions. All the 
early spring flowers make a I>etter display in a rock-garden and look more natural there 
than in the ordinary flower-bed. I he construction of a rock-garden is very simple. 
Select a siiaded location, where tlie ground has ordinary moisture. Regin at the bottom 
and f)uild up (do not throw together a iieap of stones and then cover with earth); each 
boulder should be placed so as to allow moisture from rains to run into tlic garden, not 
away from it. After placing a boulder, fill around it witli earth, Ix-ing sure that there 
aie no spaces unfilled, as air-spaces will j^revent moisture from coming uj) from below 
The top of a rock-garden must have direct contact with the ground by way of firm 
earth in order to allow the moisture to work uj) among the stones and give the proper 
conditions for growing rock plants. It is not necessary to build a rock-garden more than 
8 to 10 inches above the surrounding level. The size and shape of such a garden rests 
with the indi\idual taste. 
The soil in which the jdants are directly placed should be rich woods’ earth. The 
main body of the rock-garden can be ordinary garden soil, yet to obtain the best results 
the t{)]) soil should be rich woods’ dirt. Many native plants can be grown in woods* 
soil with fine results where they fail to give satisfaction when grown in garden soil. 
It is impossible to give explicit directions for making a rock-garden, such as will 
cover all needs, yet I will be very glad to advise anyone who may contemplate the 
building of such a garden, giving specific directions as may be necessary. If desired, I 
will send a competent representative to lay out and plan a rock-gardcnterms given on 
application. 
Following is a list of the more desirable native ferns and flowers best suited for rock- 
work in shade. 
