164 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



during the summer. In autumn the color changes to 

 brilliant orange and scarlet. No plant is more useful for 

 covering walls, stone foundations, and exterior chim- 

 neys ; it is especially valuable for 

 schoolhouses and public buildings. No 

 support is needed ; it clings to the 

 bare walls by means of disk tendrils 



FIG. 85. Disk Tendril an( ^ ^ Qes nQ f. r - Qn across ^ oor anc [ 



of Boston Ivy t t 



window openings. It the leat growth 

 becomes too dense around openings, it may be sheared 

 at intervals during the summer. The plant is entirely 

 hardy when once established, and will winter without 

 protection, but while young it is a little tender and 

 must be protected the first year. It thrives best in rich, 

 sandy loam and will grow equally well in the full glare 

 of the sun and in partial shade. 



THE VIRGINIA CREEPER 



The Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quinquefolia) has 

 beautiful, five-pointed leaves that turn to rich crimson 

 in autumn. It requires some support when it becomes 

 large and heavy. It is a quick-growing vine, and there is 

 nothing superior as a shade plant for arbors and verandas. 

 It is also particularly well adapted to covering trellises, 

 fences, and old trees ; it may be used under trees with 

 dense foliage. Although it will grow in any kind of soil, 

 it does best in a rich loam with an abundance of leaf 

 mold. No protection is needed ; it is entirely hardy. 



