M T^^ ^ard^r) ar)cl Laloi). ^ 



CLEMATISES. 



jLEMATISES have been familiarized to the great body of 

 amateur gardeners by the not uncommon spectacle of a 

 vigorous plant clothing a fence or wall, and covering it with 

 a rich profusion of large violet flowers. Asked the name of 

 the plant, there are few persons at all interested in flowers 

 who would not be able to tell you that it was Clematis 

 Jackmani, just as they could point out a rose, a honeysuckle, 

 or a convolvulus. Under such a guise as that indicated, no 

 flower could more attractively present itself, for there is a 

 natural grace and beauty about the plant when rambling over a wall or arbor 

 which appeals irresistibly to every mind, and is quite distinct from the efl'ect 

 produced by the richness of its flowers. A magnificent trained specimen at an 

 exhibition, in every respect a perfect exemplification of skill and unwearied 

 attention in culture and manipulation, awakens passing astonishment and, 

 perhaps, admiration, whatever the plant may be ; but the floral pictures that stir 

 the latent love of the beautiful most deeply, and linger longest in the memory, 

 are those in which nature blends with art, and imparts a large measure of her 

 own wild charm to the object that is admired. A rose or a clematis rambling 

 over a fence, tree stump, or wall, sending out vigorous shoots in all directions 

 as though rejoicing it its freedom, following no given course, and restricted to 

 no formal radius, will aff"ord a deeper pleasure to everyone to whom the least 

 grain of taste has been accorded, than any stiff" and confined object can possibly 



do. 



The merits of clematises, considered from the amateur's view point, are of 

 no common kind, and provide claims not likely to be ignored. Hardiness is 

 one of the most important of them. The visitor to a large nursery who may see 

 plants trained over trellises in pots, and growing under glass, need not come to 

 the conclusion that because this course is adopted glass protection is a necessity. 

 Clematises are quite hardy, hence they can be planted without any doubts as to 

 subsequent destruction by cold haunting the mind of the grower. They are 

 easily cultivated ; a free and fertile garden soil will suit them admirably, and 

 after planting, the only attention needed is an annua! pruning and top-dressing 

 of manure and fresh soil. In suburban gardens they flourish seemingly as well 

 and contentedly as in country districts. They are free-flowering; this is another 

 great point. Many will have noted the wealth of bloom the plants produce, and 

 their striking beauty when in full flower is not easily to be described. They 

 are useful for a great variety of purposes. Their suitability for covering walls, 



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