io THE BOOK OF CLIMBING PLANTS 



found to repay the planter in the greater rapidity with 

 which the plants will become established and the quick 

 manner in which they will cover their allotted space, 

 compared with those planted with insufficient preparation. 



Sometimes it is necessary to plant climbers in positions 

 where the soil is already so permeated with the roots of 

 trees or shrubs that a newly-established plant has little 

 chance of obtaining the nourishment it requires. It is, 

 in such cases, advantageous to sink a bottomless cask in 

 the soil and fill it with a suitable compost so as to give 

 the climber time to establish itself and strength to 

 compete with the other roots. 



While the proper preparation of the site for a climber 

 is of the highest importance, it is also needful to give it 

 regular supplies of nourishment when it begins to 

 exhaust the provision made at planting. Too often 

 this is forgotten, and the once free and vigorous plant 

 shows signs of failure and decrepitude. Mulching with 

 decayed manure and top-dressing with fresh soil and 

 artificial fertilisers are beneficial, and, where it can be 

 applied without being offensive, liquid manure will often 

 work wonders in restoring health and vigour. In many 

 positions, such as under the eaves of a dwelling-house 

 or against warm walls, climbers frequently suffer much 

 from drought, and they ought to be well watered in dry 

 weather, giving plentiful soakings and not mere super- 

 ficial waterings on the surface. Where this is necessary, 

 the need for a stimulant in the way of liquid manure 

 or a top-dressing of a good artificial manure is all the 

 greater, as the frequent waterings tend to exhaust the 

 soil by washing the manures into the sub-soil. 



While, as a rule, those who plant climbers desire an 

 immediate effect and should therefore attach them to 

 their supports at once, it has been found that a few 

 climbing plants, such as the Wistaria, grow eventually 

 with more rapidity if they have been laid along the 



