Rock Garden Subjects

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30715, 2 April 1965, Page 6

Rock Garden Subjects

In selecting suitable subjects for the rock garden, much will depend on the size of the garden. Unless it has been possible to establish a large rock garden generally unlikely plantings will be restricted to the smaller plants, with dwarf conifers and shrubs forming the backbone of the setting and herbaceous material the main planting. Bulbs may be used for colour, particularly in winter and spring. Where possible species should be grouped and not interspersed with one another, to conform as much as possible to the natural setting. Care must also be taken that rampant plants are situated so that they do not smother the smaller, more delicate plants of restricted growth. Remember also that a rock garden will not look after itself. If it does not receive sufficient attention it will soon become a disorderly and unattractive blot in your garden. Therefore, the amount of time you are prepared to spend on its maintenance should influence your choice of plants.

Weeding, removal of dead leaves, forking over of the surface soil, a certain amount of cutting back and top-

dressing are necessary if you wish to keep up the good appearance of the rock garden. Forking over of the surface provides aeration and facilitates the removal and renewal of unsatisfactory areas that may be lacking in something or which have become heavy: but care must be taken to avoid damaging plant roots. A top-dressing similar to the one already given for the basis may be given in autumn. Stone chippings spread to a depth of about one inch over the whole surface can be most effective after the plants are will established; this form of cover may virtually be regarded as a mulch and weed repressant too. Among the many plants used for rock gardens are some which are not true natives of the higher regions: however, they gain membership on the basis of their dwarf or creeping habit. Some suitable alpines for rock garden use are listed below. Complete listings of plants for particular situations would be unrealistic on this page so there are always favourites missed out. The recent display at the Horticulture Show by the Alpine Society provided an excellent selection of plants suitable for any scheme. Conifers include most

attractive dwarf trees and shrubs of a wide range of colour, shape and size and can enhance any rockery.

Some good conical specimens include Chamaecyparis lawsoniana minima which is well suited to small rock gardens because its maximum height is only about three feet: Picea albertiana conica: and Juniperus communis compressa.

Prostrate types include Juniperus communis depressa aurea, of golden yellow colouration: the widely spreading grey-green Juniperus sabina tamarisifolia and Juniperus horizontalis. Cryptomeria japonica, chamaecyparis pisifera filifera and Juniperus squamata meyeri are amongst the rounded types. Alpines also present diversity in flowers, colour and form.

Alyssum, Anemones, Anneria, Bulbocodium vernum (a useful winter-flowering plant), Convolvulus mauritaniciis and Convolvulus Cneorum, Epilobium, Eranthis, Ericas, Gentians, Gypsophila repens, Iberis, Iris such as Iris reticulata and Iris Stylosa, Muscaria, Primulas, Ranunculas, Saxifrages, Sedum (ideal for very dry areas), Thymus, are some of the plants which come to mind.