ROCK GARDENSRock Gardens Overview - 9In a newly-constructed garden
there are sure to be some bare spaces for
a year or so. Here it is that some of the
dwarf annuals can be made to play such a
useful part in filling the unavoidable gaps.
The profusion and brightness of the bloom
of most of these little plants, in addition
to their value as fill-ups, justifies their
position in the garden Like all other plants,
rock plants vary in their characteristics,
habits, likes and dislikes. Some have a rounded
growth, others are prostrate; some love the
sun, others the shade; a dry and sandy soil
suits many when they can obtain a deep root
run, others must have a moist, rich loam.
In planting, therefore, the varying types
should be grouped together according to habits
and requirements, so that all shall have,
as far as is possible, the conditions best
for them. It is always advisable to plant
three or more specimens of a certain species
or variety together, so as to form broad
masses of colour rather than the patchwork
effect caused by the indiscriminate planting
of single subjects. The size of the groups
naturally depends on the extent of the rock
garden. In small gardens it may be wise to
plant only single specimens. There is yet
another point to settle in this connection.
It will be necessary to decide whether it
is preferable to plant a comparatively limited
number of fast-growing species that will
spread rapidly over the bare spaces and quickly
furnish the rock garden, or whether it is
better to plant a greater number of plants,
choicer in bloom, may be, but less rampant
in habit. In the first case, a good show
of bloom should be available in a year or
so, but if the latter method is selected,
patience will be needed for two or three
years at least. The latter is the correct
and better way, for the greater number of
species planted will provide vastly more
interest and pleasure. In any case, too many
plants of the rampageous type should not
be planted or they will soon choke the slower-growing
specimens living among them. Choice plants
will need constant attention, or they are
sure to be overwhelmed by their more vigorous
neighbors. Rock plants should be planted
out either in the spring, or better still,
in the late summer, but not later than September,
since the roots make but little growth after
that month, and the plants are liable to
be washed out of the earth by heavy rain,
or lifted from the soil by the action of
frost: It is more usual to plant out alpines
in the spring, particularly in or near our
towns or cities, but, as already stated,
it is better to do it in the summer, after
they have bloomed, at which period their
roots put forth new shoots and are more easily
able to obtain a footing and to secure nourishment.
If the plants are moved in spring, they are
almost immediately subjected to the strain
of flowering and get little support from
their roots. This ought to be risked, however,
in and around our larger cities, as many
of the rarer alpines find a difficulty in
withstanding the winter's fog and damp, even
when well established. If care is taken,
all alpines can be planted out at any time
between early April and the end of August. next rock gardens overview
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