Eleven] tHM* 139 



simply lessen the blossom points. If it is necessary 

 to trim for symmetry or lack of room it should be 

 done immediately after the plants are through bloom- 

 ing, that they may have abundant time for new 

 growth. 



Bignonia Radicans 



(Trumpet Vine) 



IT is to be regretted that this fine vine is so com- 

 mon and old-fashioned that no one seems to 

 appreciate it sufficiently to bring it up to its really 

 magnificent possibilities. When grown as a shrub no 

 finer plant for a hedge could possibly be desired. For 

 this purpose the plants should be set about three feet 

 apart, or even closer, if it is desired that the hedge 

 should be useful as well as ornamental. Set in an 

 even row where the hedge is desired, tie each plant 

 to a stout stake, and allow only one branch to grow, 

 cutting this back when three feet high to form the 

 head, which should be made to branch freely. By 

 the time the stake has rotted away the plant will have 

 made a trunk as large as one's wrist and perfectly self- 

 supporting. All dead and weak branches should be 

 trimmed out each year and the hedge kept pruned 

 back to symmetrical growth. If the seed-pods are not 

 allowed to form the plant will be in bloom nearly all 

 summer. Such a hedge will be a thing to bequeath 

 to posterity along with old oaks and fine elms. 



