THERE are many plants in the garden which we take for granted. They

never seem to get much acclaim or publicity.

One of these is certainly the aubrietia, otherwise known as purple

rock cress.

These plants are at their best during May, falling over stones in the

rockery or dry stone walls. They also make useful border plants,

provided you keep them at the front edge.

There are many delightful shades -- pinks, blues, and bi-colours, and

there are single and semi-double flowers.

Aubrietias can be readily propagated by division. You often find that

their trailing branches root out into the soil.

They can be propagated by cuttings or slips, but I have found that

they tend to dry out badly unless you find a shady spot in which to root

them.

They can also be grown from seed, providing either pink or a good

colour range. The seed is sown out of doors in May or June.

Alternatively, you can buy nice little potted plants at any

well-stocked garden centre and pop them them into the ground for instant

colour.