PLEACHED OR GREEN ALLEYS 337 



altogether a matter of doubt if these could not be 

 much better treated in other ways. 



The circumstances of different gardens are so 

 infinitely various that it is impossible to lay down 

 hard rules ; only general rules can be given and 

 exceptional circumstances dealt with by exceptional 

 treatment. 



Green alleys require some attention. In winter 

 the oldest of the wood must be cut out to make 

 room for the young growth, and when this is 

 lengthening vigorously it must be carefully laid in. 



If the alley has an iron framework, which is neces- 

 sary when such strong growing things as Wistaria are 

 used, this may be clothed during the first few years, 

 until the Wistaria is growing strongly, with annual 

 climbers such as Cobcea scandens, lophospermum, Mina 

 lobata y and even varieties of the large-flowered 

 Clematis, which must be removed when the Wistaria 

 covers the alley. 



Very charming alleys are sometimes formed of 

 fruit trees Pear, Apple, Cherry, and Plum making 

 delightful spring pictures, and almost as much so 

 when in fruit in autumn. Where fruit and flower 

 are desired every shoot must be exposed to sun and 

 air. When densely shaded by other growths the 

 wood does not ripen, and therefore flowers badly, if 

 at all. 



