ROCK GARDENS

Rock, Marsh, Shrubs in the Garden
Plants 1

Rock garden plants among outdoor water fountains may be propagated by several methods: they may be raised from seed; cuttings may be taken; they can be layered; with a great number the roots may be divided; of some, root-cuttings can be secured; and a few can be propagated by leaf-cuttings. We will describe in detail the various processes. Many alpines may be raised from seed in the open where they are to flower; others must be sown under glass. Generally speaking, in ordinary circumstances, seeds retain full vitality for one or at the most two years only. From this we gather that it is better to sow seed saved during the current year. If this is not possible, use seed of the previous season; or, at the utmost, not more than two seasons old. If home-grown seed is to be used, the ripening seedheads should be watched and gathered before the seed is spilled. Be careful, however, to give the seeds ample time to ripen; do not pick them too early. The seed should be removed from the heads and dried in the sun on sheets of paper for a few days, and then sown, preferably under glass, as soon as it is ripe. The seeds of early-flowering species, if so sown, will more than likely furnish plants that will flower the following year. Seed bought from nurserymen and seedsmen is usually not available until autumn or the spring. Seed should be stored in a dark, cool place; it must be kept dry and, above all, in an even temperature. It is best placed in tins with tightly-fitting lids, in thoroughly clean glass bottles (these must be kept in the dark), or in glazed paper impervious to moisture. Soft absorbent paper should not be used, as the seeds will either dry and shrivel up or, if kept in too moist rock gardens, will get damp and will rot. Do not leave the seeds in their pods, as is so often advised, since after a time the pods dry up and draw both moisture and vitality from the seeds.

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