THE ROCK GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 178, 30 July 1932, Page 17 (Supplement)

THE ROCK GARDEN

HINTS FOR FORMATION. The properly-constructed rock garden affords special, facilities for planting and attention during all weathers and is specially adaptable to New Zealand’s climatic conditions, when the soil in the ordinary beds and borders is wet and cold and in an unfit condition for treatment. The rock garden is provided with narrow hidden paths and the stones are so arranged as to obviate the necessity for treading upon the soil in the enclosures. Selection of Plants. Where numerous alpine, herbaceous and bulbous plants are cultivated a rock garden greater or less in extent is most suitable. Many of the best and rarest species that will not succeed in the open beds and borders may be successfully accommodated and grown in the rockery, which may be so arranged as to afford special conditions for an endless variety of plants, in-

eluding stationary perennials and choice flowering annuals, tv be taken up after flowering and replaced with other suitable subjects. Bulbous plants may be utilised for the same purpose, thus affording a continuous display. Dwarf flowering shrubs must also be distributed at suitable intervals throughout the area. Rockery in the Making. The prospective site for the rock garden may be a more or less steep side of a bank, if of volcanic origin, with natural stones abutting. By making meandering walks to be hidden when the planting is completed, and by making use of bays, recesses, natural depressions, prominences and crevices that are essentials for the accommodation of the greatest variety of plants, good results may be obtained. Under these conditions, with plenty of good friable soil and an ample supply of various-sized rocks and stones, the de signing and completion of the rock garden, with stepping stones, crevice and fissures, each to contain its quota of plants, is easy of accomplishment. Sides of Clay Banks. Forming a rock garden on the side of a clay bank will be much more

complicated, as perfect drainage is an absolute necessity ana must first be provided. Next a supply of stones and rocks of all sizes must be at hand to provide the necessary enclosures, large aud small pockets and various projections, bays, recesses, nooks and fissures for the reception of plants. Suitable soil mixtures must also be provided. Always avoid filling the receptacles too full. Some may be left deeper than others. Position of the Bocks. The larger rocks should be partly buried to hold them penuanentJy in position. A comparatively solid foundation must be- provided. This can be effected by partially sinking the larger rocks into the firm soil. Excavations where necessary must be made to vary the outline and form of the face of the rock garden and provide various aspects to suit different plants. 'The stones must be so arranged as to form cavities of an irregular size and shape. To provide a porous soil the bottom of the cavities may be lined with bin. or more of fine scoria. Where the Surface is Flat. A rock garden may be successfully i formed by digging a deep cutting of I an irregular outline through a piece of ground and utilising the soil thus obtained as mounds of uneven heights upon which to build the stones, arranging walks and the necessary receptacles for plants. By the disposition of the stones on the side various aspects to suit different plants may be obtained. The quality of the soil upon which the stones are built docs not matter, provided ample drainage is provided and sufficient good soil is filled into (he receptacles.