56 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING 



we have an abundance of soft limestone which has a rough 

 surface and is an admirable material for all kinds of work which 

 is exposed to the weather. In many other parts of the state 

 rock of some kind can be obtained which can be used for rustic 

 effects. In building rough rock bridges it is best to put down 

 piling to a good depth, on which concrete or rock piers should 

 rest; though of course if one can reach bed rock it is better. If 

 for a foot bridge only, the arch may be light, but for vehicles it 

 should be of reinforced concrete, the exposed surfaces being 

 finished with rough rock. If wood is used it should be peeled 

 (which detracts greatly from its attractiveness) and the whole 

 covered with two or more coats of Carbolineum. 



Arbors and summer houses are not so much in fashion now as 

 pergolas. A properly built pergola, either attached to a dwelling 

 or detached, and covered with vines is an attractive object, 

 provided it is well kept. It is, however, best to make the posts 

 of concrete or better of rough rock. This remark is applicable 

 to all arbors, trellises and, in fact, to all structures. No wood 

 should ever be used in construction in or near the ground in 

 Florida, especially the warmer part of the state. 



Entrances to grounds are often marked by some kind of 

 architectural ornaments: piers or arches or in small places posts 

 set in at the side of the road. In extensive places a gatekeeper's 

 lodge is sometimes built in addition to the work at the entrance 

 and the whole may be quite elaborate. All such work should 

 be made of cement, brick, or better of rough rock. The same 

 thing may be said of walls which are used to enclose grounds or 

 separate one part of them from another. It is a good idea to 

 cover such structures with vines, preferably those which cling 

 by means of adventive roots. In the northern part of the state 

 the common English ivy (Hedera helix) is fine for this purpose 

 and throughout the greater part of Florida Ficus repens, the 

 trailing rubber plant, does admirably. Our native woodbine, 

 which grows generally throughout the state, is a good plant, 

 but it loses its leaves more or less in winter. Some of the Big- 

 nonias are fine for this purpose. 



