the same purpose. Unless otherwise stated, plants are easily 
grown in well-drained garden soil. 
When planting, dig holes of ample size to receive the 
roots. Plants should be planted as deep, or preferably a little 
deeper than they grew in the nursery. The roots should be 
spread out as much as possible and the soil worked in among 
them. Small bulbs should be planted rather deep, three to four 
inches, and lily bulbs even deeper, at least six inches. The dis- 
tance apart at which plants and bulbs should be planted should 
be determined largely by their character of growth; tall plants 
may require one and one-half to two feet; spreading plants fif- 
teen inches or more; while some small plants and bulbs may be 
planted as close as four to six inches. 
As a general rule, the best time to plant any plant is when 
it is dormant. With the greater number of plants this occurs 
in late summer, fall or early spring. As a general rule, too, it 
is best to plant in fall those plants which blossom very early in 
spring. This includes spring blooming bulbs, and such other 
plants as blossom in April or early May. By planting in fall, . 
such plants have a chance to get established before blooming 
time. Another group of plants which are seldom successfully 
planted in spring are those which make a fall growth or start 
into growth so early in spring that they cannot be readily han- 
dled without injury to the young shoots. These includé such 
plants as Peonies and Dicentra Spectabilis. Oriental Poppies 
have a habit of going dormant prematurely when planted in 
spring and lose a year's growth as a result, and should be 
planted in fall. In the northern states, plants or bulbs planted 
in fall should be given light protection during the first winter, 
not so much to keep them from freezing, as to prevent alternate 
freezing and thawing, from heaving them out of the ground. 
With the exception of plants such as referred to above, early 
spring is perhaps the best planting time. This should be de- 
ferred, however, until the soil has become sufficiently dry to be 
friable. Never plant in wet sticky soil. All plants which are in- 
clined to freeze out or winter kill should be planted in spring. 
They will endure much more severe weather after they have had 
a year in which to become established. This is particularly true 
of such plants as Anemone Japonica, Tritomas, etc. 
THE ROCK GARDEN 
The rock garden is one in which conditions necessary to the 
growth of Alpine and Saxatile plants are provided. Like any 
other garden, something of interest other than plant life should 
be provided, such as, pools, paths and rustic seats. If the room 
for an elaborate rock garden is not available, a smaller garden 
can be provided in which the tiny Alpines brought many miles 
from their native homes may be made happy. 
Perfect drainage is essential and a somewhat elevated posi- 
tion is preferable since it serves to provide such drainage and 
also to display the plants to better advantage. The rocks should 
be placed in a natural arrangement and in a manner to best 
display the plants to be arranged among them. 
Stone of uniform composition should be chosen, weathered 
limestone, tufa or sandstone are usually quite satisfactory. Hard 
impervious rock, or those which crumble with age, such as, shale 
should be avoided. Bear in mind that the rocks, garden acces- 
sories, and evergreen and foliage plants must provide the center 
of interest during that part of the year when blossom is scarce 
or absent altogether. It is best to use only a few large rocks, 
placed in key positions and smaller stones throughout the rest of 
the garden. No strict rules can be given, as each site pre- 
sents its own particular problem. The wisest plan is to consult 
a specialist, one nearby if there be one available, however, many 
amateurs derive untold pleasure and satisfaction in building and 
designing their own gardens and planting as many interesting 
plants therein, as they are able to secure. Such gardens, al- 
though exceedingly interesting are quite different from more 
