ROCK GARDENSAlpines in Rock Gardens 7The more tender alpines should be stood in a shallow tray with one to two inches of water in the bottom, so that the water may percolate up by way of the drainage without damping the foliage; this is especially necessary in the case of those plants with dense, downy, or waxy foliage which nestles close to the soil. Plants should never be allowed to become so dry as to droop, for this may cause irreparable damage; but if this has occurred, the whole plant, pan, and all, should be stood in water deep enough to cover the pan. When thoroughly soaked, it should not at once be replaced on the staging, but should be put in the shade for an hour or two to recover. Many plants, and especially those that have not recently been repotted, will be the better for a watering with mild liquid manure every ten days while the buds are forming. This must be discontinued as soon as the flowers are out. Cleanliness inside the house is most essential. Aphides, thrips, red spiders, mealy bugs, scale insects, and woodlice are the chief pests met with here. The manner of countering them is shown in the chapter on Diseases and Pests, where fumigation and sterilization are described. Keeping every corner of the house and the stem and foliage of every plant as clean and free from rubbish as possible will do a great deal to keep down insect and fungus attacks. The plants are mostly increased by division of the roots, which is best done almost immediately flowering is over. The newly-potted plants should be kept in a close frame, shaded from the sun, until the roots are established; usually in about fourteen days. Of recent years this type of indoor-gardening has become a source of great interest to amateurs. It consists of a rock garden in miniature constructed in some suitable receptacle, usually a large earthenware pan. This, however, is not essential; in fact, the little plants are much more effective when displayed in an old pig trough or stone sink. These may be picked up at any country sale for a few shillings; those found in many parts of Westmorland and Yorkshire are particularly beautiful, being hewn out of solid limestone or sandstone. Sinks are especially adaptable, as they already have the outlet, the troughs would have to be bored to provide for the necessary drainage of the soil. next alpine gardens overview
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