210 



GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 



Some Worth While Climbers 



BERTHA BERBERT HAMMOND 



THE magic taucli of a fairy wand could scarcely do 

 more to transform a commonplace building, porch 

 or other object than the graceful festoons of a luxuri- 

 ant, well chosen \-ine. Nature is prodigal in her use of 

 vines and drapes them around trees and shrubs and over 

 stones and fences h^ a wonderfully effective manner, 

 making beauty spots of places that would otherwise mar 

 the landscape. Well may we copy this pecuharity in Na- 

 ture and by making free use of vines add to the beauty 

 and comfort of our surroundings in a natural and simple 

 manner. There is something very inviting and cozy on 

 a porch that is screened, shaded and cooled by some 

 ornamental climber and the humblest of dwellings appears 

 charming and home-like when beautiiied by an attractive 

 vine. 



There are a large number of handsome vines, some are 

 suitable for the purpose of growing on buildings and 

 others are at their best wlien grown on lower structures 

 such as trellis, pergola or fence. Some are hardy and 

 others are easily grown from seed to maturity in one 

 season. \\'ith such a wide range of choice, care should 

 be exercised in selecting vines that will prove the most 

 satisfacton- in the location and for the purpose that they 

 are desired. 



The Boston or Japan ivy (Anipelopsis vcitchii) a hardy, 

 rapid grower which clings to stone, brick and wood with 

 a tenacious hold, is one of the best of climbers, and in the 

 Autumn its foliage, with its rich crimson and orange 

 coloring is unsurpassed in gorgeousness. The well-known 

 \'irginia creeper (Ampclopsis qumqucfolia) sometimes 

 called American Ivy, also assumes a vivid autumnal color- 

 ing that is very decorative. This beautiful native vine 

 without any spc-cial care, will in a comparatively short 

 time beautify any object over which it may climb. The 

 .sweet scented honeysuckles are especially esteemed for 

 use on a porch where their delicious fragrance may be 

 fully enjoyed. They grow and bloom freely and are quite 

 lasting and ornamental. Hall's honeysuckle (Halliana), 

 a Japanese variety, is evergreen in its nature, the leaves 

 retaining their color long after heavy frosts. 



In the Spring when our Wistaria is covered with its 

 graceful drooping clusters of lavender tinted blooms, this 

 vine seems the most beautiful and desirable of hardy 

 climbers, even though on acount of its tendency to pry 

 under shingles w-e thought it wise to train it from porch 

 to tree instead of allowing it to climb over the roof at its 

 own sweet will. The different varieties of clematis are 

 attractive and jiopular. They are hardy, rapid in growth 

 and profuse in bloom. Clematis Jaclmiani which bears 

 in great profusion large flowers of a royal ]nn-]>le color 

 is the most showy of its kind and the smaller-nowerc<l 

 Clematis paniciilata which in the early fall becomes liter- 

 ally covered with a mass of white, fragrant, star-like 

 blossoms, has won recognition as a most desiral)le climber. 

 The fact that its silky seed vessels are highly ornamental. 

 adds to its po]>ularity. Clematis Vir,i^ini(via. a native \ari- 

 ety. with somewhat coarser foliagt and flowers than 

 Clematis paniciilata is loved alike for its hardihood and 

 wild l)eauty and is tenderly known in many localities as 

 ^'Traveler'.s Joy." Sir Walter Scott alludes to the clem- 

 atis as 



That favored flower 



That bears the name of Virgin's Bower. 

 Dutchman's Pipe ( Aristolochia siplin) which attains 

 a height of twenty to thirty feet is valuable for training 



on the veranda or against the side of the house. Its broad 

 tropical-looking leaves and odd pipe-shaped, brownish- 

 yellow flowers make it a floral curiosity. The trumpet 

 vine {Bignoiiiai) with its brilliant flowers deserves hon- 

 orable mention as one of the desirable ornamental climb- 

 ers that is valuable for the covering of walls or houses. 



Among the roses there are a number of charming 

 hardy climbers that are so especially meritorious that a 

 choice is often difficult. The crimson rambler has prob- 

 ablv been the most widel\' cultivated and may be found 

 climbing on thousands of houses and arbors. It is a very 

 hardy variety and though its season of bloom is none too 

 long, it makes a brilliant display while its numerous 

 clusters of bright flowers last. Of late its popularity has 

 waned somewhat due to newer, finer introductions and to 

 the return to favor of some of the old-feshioned sorts 

 dear to the heart for sentimental reasons usually, as the 

 modern climbing roses are for the most part superior. 

 Take for instance the "Tausendschon" which lives up to 

 the translation of its name "Thousand Beauties" in that 

 it bears a multitude of clustered bouquets of attractive 

 flowers. The pink climber Dorothy Perkins is a free- 

 blooming, fragrant rose with lasting qualities, and Silver 

 Moon with its large nearly double flowers with silver)' 

 white petals is a rose of considerable distinction. The 

 double-flowered rose Source d'or is a good climber of a 

 pleasing yellow color. 



.\nnual vines will fulfill their mission to the utmost 

 where a quick covering of foliage is desired, but in order 

 to avoid keen regrets and endless grubbing it is wise to 

 keep at a distance such persistent spreaders as the wild 

 cucumber, common morning glory and the widely adver- 

 tied Japanese Kudzu that is the modern rival of the magic 

 vine in "Jack and the Bean Stalk." These vines cer- 

 tainly grow with incrediljle rapidity Ijut they continue to 

 spread and grow long after the temporary need of a vine 

 covering is past and become a real pest to the hapless 

 gardener. 



The annual hop ( Hiiiniilus) introduced from Japan is 

 a rapid climber attaining in almost a month's time a 

 height of twenty feet or more and covering veranda or 

 arl)or with a dense shade-giving foliage that seems 

 drought and insect proof. There are a number of vari- 

 eties of Ipoiinra that are especially delicate and beautiful, 

 the Cypress Vine {Ipoimva qumnoclit) a semi-hardy sort 

 with dainty ferny foliage and handsome flowers, being 

 ]5robably the most used. 



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I Competent Gardeners 



j The comforts and products of a country 



I home are increased by employing a competent 



I gardener; if you want to engage one, write ui. 



I Please give particulars regarding place and 



I say whether married or single man is wanted. 



I We have been supplying them for years to the 



I best people everywhere. No fee asked. 



PETER HENDERSON & CO. 



Seedsmen and Florist* 



35 and 37 Cortlandt St., NEW YORK CITY 



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