Rock Gardening for Amateurs #251124

0 have written a book on rock gardening for amateurs a few years ago would probably have proved futile, since comparatively few amateurs were interested. They were indifferent because ignorant of the charms and the possibilities of rockeries, and of the adaptability of alpine plants. The present popularity of rock gardening, and its wide appeal to all classes of flower lovers, are due to the fact that amateurs have begun to realise that the miniature plants from the high mountains and it is for their accommodation that rock gardens are made — are intensely fascinating, and, on the whole, easy to grow. This result is doubtless owing in great degree to the discovery of new and beautiful kinds, and to the prominence given to rock plants at flower shows throughout the country. However this may be, rock gardening enjoys far greater popularity now than ever before, and garden lovers have found that a simple rockery can be just as delightful as an elaborate one. Alpine flowers should make an especial appeal to the possessor of a small garden, for it is possible to grow so many of them in a restricted area. Quite a small rockery will accommodate from one to two hundred alpines, and the more kinds one grows, the greater is the enjoyment; they vary so remarkably in growth, in form and colour of leaf and blossom, and in their needs. As to afford unending delight to the gardener.