ROCK GARDENS

Rock Gardens Overview - 15

In an old rock garden it may be that plants are not doing well because the soil in the pockets and crevices in which they grow is sour or exhausted. In such cases the plants should be removed and fresh soil, of a composition to suit the plants, should be inserted. This may be done in early spring or after flowering, the latter time being preferable as the plants have then a better chance of becoming established before the flowering season. If a plant has grown too large for the pocket it occupies, it should be lifted and divided: the stronger outer crowns only being replaced. It should be remembered that established plants, if the rock garden has been properly constructed, will need watering only after a long spell of dry weather. If in such a case watering is necessary, let the plants have a good soaking in the evening once a week rather than a mere sprinkling every day; this latter process merely draws the roots to the surface and does more harm than good. It is always advisable to have a few young plants coming on to replace casualties, for some alpines, especially the more interesting, have a habit of dying off suddenly. Rock plants may be increased by seed sown under glass as soon as ripe or in March, by cuttings, or by division of roots in April or late Summer. It is better to raise alpines from cuttings or division of roots, rather than from seed, which is a lengthy and, in some cases, a difficult process.

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