330 The American Flower Garden 



hedge grows increasingly beautiful, a dense wall of clean, handsome 

 foliage and gorgeous flowers. It is a heritage one is proud to 

 bequeath to one s children. 



But not every one who wishes for the transforming results of 

 vines may plant for permanent effects; and, even when these are 

 planned for on new places, it is desirable to use some annuals for 

 quick results. On rented places a special vine may be needed for 

 one season only. Even in the midst of permanent planting it is 

 pleasant to have variety from year to year. 



If a vine be wanted to cover a porch or a high board fence in 

 the shortest possible time, try the Kudzu. It is a twiner and needs 

 wire or strings. Given good soil and plenty of water and sunshine, 

 it will grow fifty feet in a season. When a dense screen is needed 

 on a kitchen porch that is not always so tidy as it should be, or one 

 for a lattice around a drying ground, the Kudzu is invaluable. 



Another very rapid grower is the cup-and-saucer vine (Cobcea 

 scandens), that would climb to a tree-top before frost catches it if 

 long enough strings might be supplied. Before its rather heavy- 

 looking cups finally turn purplish plum colour they pass through 

 green and lavender transitional phases. The San Salvador cobcea 

 has many-lobed, light-green leaves, lying flat, that introduce a wel 

 come colour note in the scale of greens. Seed should be sown at 

 least three inches apart in the hotbed in order that the roots of 

 young vines may not be needlessly disturbed when they are lifted 

 on a trowel and transplanted to the open ground after settled warm 

 weather comes. 



Jack s beanstalk probably grew no faster than some of the 

 gourds. All their astonishing growth must be accomplished 

 between the frosts of spring and autumn, as not a breath can they 

 endure. For covering unsightly outbuildings, fences and palings, 



