The Garden Under Glass

CHAPTER XII PLANTS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES Climbing Plants A list of these suitable for the greenhouse would be very extensive if I were to name all, but I think the purpose of this book is best served by giving only those which the amateur is most likely to be successful with. It must be remarked that climbers on a wall or on pillars are distinctly ornamental if not overdone. Certainly they can be overdone on the roof, especially if the house be used for growing plants as well as for showing them, as they naturally give a large amount of shade. Wherever they are grown some good soil should be made up for them, as it is usual to leave them undisturbed for several years. Whether the plants be grown in a border on the floor-level, or in a brick en-closure brought level with the staging, or in pots, the same dass of soil will suit them. Good fibrous turfy loam should form the base, and to this may be added leaf-soil, preferably from oak leaves, mortar rubble, wood ashes and charcoal. This will tend to keep the soil sweet. At the time of makingup, some well-rotted manure should be put in, and as this becomes exhausted the plant will have to be fed by means of liquid manure and top-dressing. If climbers in the greenhouse are to be successful it is important that they be kept clean by frequent syringing and, where they need it, by sponging of the leaves. The plants which I recommend as being good doers are: 140