REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. I43 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



apart. The surface soil should be kept loose during the summer to encourage the 

 growth of the vines and retain moistui'e in the soil. Nasturtiums need more care 

 in training than Sweet Pease, as they have no tendrils to cling with. 



Nasturtiums are very effective, as the leaves are bright green and the flowers of 

 such lively shades of yellow, brown and crimson that tlie contrasts are very fine. If 

 planted where they may be trained over any objects about the grounds suitable for 1 

 the purpose, they make a very pleasing effect. 



There are two strains of climbing nasturtiums which are much grown, the first 

 known as Lobbianum, and the second as Tall Nasturtiums. The former have smaller 

 flowers, but are more profuse bloomers than the latter; but both are good. Some 

 fine colours may be obtained by planting the hybrids of Madame Gunter. Good mixed 

 seeds will be found quite satisfactory. 



Variegated Japanese Hop. — The so-called Japanese hop is an annual, and this 

 is a variety of it. It is one of the most rapid-growing vines that can be planted. 

 Part of the leaf is almost pure white and part gray, making the contrast with the 

 remaining green portions very effective. The seed should be sown early in the spring 

 and the plants thinned out well after they are large enough for the variegations of 

 the leaf to be distinguished. Some plants are more variegated than others and have 

 the white parts of the leaf whiter, and these should be left. The seed should be 

 pinched ofi when they form, as they rather spoil the otherwise fine effect of the vine. 



Scarlet Runner. — Though old-fashioned, the scarlet runner is still one of the 

 most attractive of annual climbers. It is such a free bloomer that the effect pro- 

 duced by the scarlet flowers is very good. The seed should be sown when there will 

 be no danger of frost after the young plants appear above ground. 



Morning Glory. — This is another old-fashioned flower, but one which deserves a 

 place, where there is room for it. The seed should be sown early in spring, if the 

 best results are to be obtained. The Imperial Japanese Morning Glories, which were 

 introduced a few years ago, are larger than the ordinary kind and more brilliantly 

 coloured. 



Cohaea scandens. — Although this vine is a perennial, it can only be treated as an 

 annual when grown outside, as it winter-kills. To get good results, the Qobaea should 

 be started in a cold frame and planted out in the open towards the end of May or 

 about June 1, it being very tender. It makes a rapid an-d luxuriant growth during 

 the summer and comes into bloom towards the latter part of the season. The flowers 

 are about 2 inches in diameter and are greenish white or purple, according to the 

 variety planted. The purple flowering variety is the best, as the vine has purple 

 stems, making the contrast with the leaves better. The flowers, also, are prettier than 

 the white ones. Unfortunately, the season of this vine is not long, as it is killed by 

 the first frosts of autiunn. 



Madeira Vine. — This is another old favourite which must be treated as an 

 annual. The root should be planted in the spring, after danger of frost is past. The 

 growth of this pretty climber is very rapid, and it will cover a large surface during 

 the summer. Its thick, bright green leaves are the chief attractions of the plant. In 

 the autumn, the roots should be taken up and stored for the winter. 



Canary Bird Vine — Tropaeolum canariense. — This is a very pretty climber 

 which bears an abundance of small bright-yellow flowers, which fancy may compare 

 to a bird with wings half extended. It is a rapid grower and soon runs over the 

 trellis, lattice-work, or other object which is placed for its support. The seeds should 

 be sown early. 



There are a large number of other annual climbers, but those just described are 

 among the best. Among these are the gourds, which are quite attractive. When 

 trained over fences, the varied shape and colour of the gourds, which are produced 

 in abundance, give an odd appearance to the vine. 



