ROCK GARDENS

Alpines in Rock Gardens 1

There are some choice alpines that cannot be cultivated to the best advantage in the open in our uncertain climate. To say that they are choice does not necessarily mean that they are delicate, but that the blooms of many are apt to be spoilt by inclement weather; it is to these subjects that the Alpine House affords protection while they are in bloom; it will also prolong their season of flowering. Most of the inmates can be brought on during the summer in pans sunk to their rims in ashes or sand in the open, or in sunny frames, until about to flower, when they should be transferred to the house, to be removed again to the open after flowering. After the beginning of October all the plants should be housed in a frost proof frame and must be removed to the cold house as the blooms become visible. While the plants are in the frame ample air must be provided, but frost must be excluded. The choicest saxifrages, however, are usually kept in the house the whole year through, as their neat and compact foliage is pleasing and interesting even after the flowers are over, and does not get ragged and untidy. Place them near a water source such as a water fountain. The culture of alpines under glass is comparatively no new hobby with the amateur, but one whose popularity is increasing rapidly. The plants, except the bulbs, which should be planted again each autumn, require but little attention and only need repotting every second or third year; this is best carried out in July or the early part of August. Although the house is as a rule unheated artificially, the plants will furnish a mass of interesting and brilliant bloom, while the neat, and in many cases unusual, foliage of such subjects as the Shortias, Achilleas, Sedums and Saxifrages will provide unbounded interest in the off season.

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