66 



WINDOW GARDENING. 



are used either whole or are pulled to bits and nailed in regular rows along the 

 boards 



The preparation of these boxes for plants must be good ; place, first a layer of 

 finely powdered charcoal an inch in thickness over the bottom. It acts not only 

 as a preventive against mould, but also as a fertilizer, enriching the soil Then 

 select your compost, which has been previously described, composed of rich loam, 

 sand and forest leaf mould, and decayed barn-yard manure, and fill up to the 

 brim. 



If you are growing bulbs leave out all manures, and use more leaf mould ; see 

 that the bottom of the box has means of drainage by a hole, into a saucer or 

 dish to receive surplus water. 



Fig. 45. 



In arranging your plants give due heed to height and coloring. The flowers 

 which grow the tallest must have the central position, and the dwarfs occupy the 

 edges and corners. For drooping vines select the Money-wort, it grows freely, 

 and its bright yellow flowers are very attractive. The Partridge Vine, which 

 grows so plentifully in all the woodlands, is also desirable, its coral red berries 

 adding greatly to its beauty. The variegated and green " Coliseum Ivy," is 



Fig. 46. 



good for this purpose. German and English Ivies are very valuable, growing 

 with great rapidity, the former often two or three inches a day. The Convol- 

 vulus possesses bright green foliage and exquisite flowers ; it is always a favorite 

 in window gardening. 



The Cranberry Vine has been overlooked, and deserves especial recommenda- 

 tion, both for window boxes and hanging baskets. Its prettily cut foliage, pure 



