ACINOS alpinus. Alpine calamint, rock-thyme. Central and southern Europe. This is one of those plants I yearn to see in the wild, for it must make a fine sight flowering in bare rock scree. It is a perennial member of the mint family, making low mounds and mats with a woody base. Thickly clothing the stems are roundish deep green leaves, usually a half-inch long or less. Clustered just above the leaves through the summer months are many two-lipped blossoms, each up to 3/4" long, painted red-violet overall with clear white markings. This is a fine little rock garden plant, also useful—for a year or two, at least—in containers. It thrives in sun near the coast, possibly needing some shading in hot summer areas, and requires well drained soil and moderate watering. Hardy to 0^oF or less.