ROCK GARDENSAlpines in Rock Gardens 5If, as suggested, a span-roof
type of house is used, it will be found most
convenient to have a centre path and stagings,
that will raise the plants up near the glass,
down both sides; the plants will then be
easily accessible. The stagings should be
covered with a half-inch layer of shingle
or fine ashes. Ample provision must be made
for ventilation, for the plants require a
fresh, cool atmosphere, and plenty of air,
but no cold draughts. Upon the proper ventilation
much of the success of the alpine house depends.
It is very easy to kill, or at least gravely
to injure, a house full of plants by injudicious
opening or closing of the ventilators. Only
in summer when the temperature is too high,
should top and side ventilators be opened
simultaneously. Generally only ventilators
on the side opposite to that from which the
wind is blowing should be opened. The amount
of air admitted depends of course, on the
nature of the plants; young, growing plants
and seedlings require a warm and moist atmosphere,
while plants in bloom require the air to
be drier. Where there is ample top ventilation
there is less need of side ventilation as
well; indeed, many experts now discontinue
the use of side ventilators altogether; this
I consider a mistake. It is important that
the temperature of the house should be watched,
especially in the morning when the sun will
often come out suddenly with surprising power,
and unless the ventilation is regulated in
time, the heat will become intense. In order
to avoid the risk of scorching, the ventilators
should be opened early in mild weather, beginning
with a small aperture, which is gradually
increased as the sun becomes more powerful,
reversing the process towards evening as
the temperature falls. Violent changes of
temperature are as harmful to plants as to
people. Frost and Fog must also be carefully
excluded. I find it an advantage where possible
to build a small rock garden on each outer
wall of the Alpine House to within one foot
of the stage and so help to keep the gradual
temperature during one's absence inside the
house. Lowest, early in the morning or in
the early evening, but in spring, late autumn,
and in winter it is essential to water in
the morning, so that excessive moisture may
have drained off before the evening, otherwise
there is great liability to "damping-off." next alpine gardens overview
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