100 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



It is possible that not a few enthusiastic admirers of ivy as a 

 decorative subject for the garden may have been deterred from 

 planting it because of the familiar legend that it makes the walls 

 of houses damp, and that its roots enter the crevices and destroy 

 the walls. The theory that ivy harbours moisture is quite fal- 

 lacious. Indeed, it exercises just the opposite effect, for it not 

 only throws off the rain but draws the moisture out of a naturally 

 damp wall by means of its aerial rootlets which cling to the wall. 

 And the mention of aerial rootlets suggests an important point 

 in the culture of ivy that should not be lost sight of. These root- 

 lets, if they be given the slightest encouragement, will project 

 themselves at intervals along the whole length of a shoot in the 

 search for fresh sources of nutriment. For this reason it is ad- 

 visable and usual when planting not to support all the shoots 

 against the wall or fence. One or two may be so trained for the 

 sake of immediate effect, but the remainder should be stretched 

 out horizontally along the base of the wall and be pegged down 

 firmly into the soil. The formation of new roots will by this means 

 be encouraged, and vigorous new growth will speedily make its 

 appearance. 



The hardier varieties of ivy may all be planted at any time 

 between the months of October and February, but the planting 

 of the tenderer sorts should be confined to September and March. 

 I have said already that ivy will thrive in any moderately good 

 garden soil, but this requires a little qualification if rapid and 

 vigorous growth is desired. For instance, a light, gravelly soil 

 will need enrichment with well-decayed manure and leaf mould, 

 and, on the other hand, heavy, clayey, stagnant ground will require 

 to have some lighter material, such as sand or road grit, incor- 

 porated with it. 



One of the most important operations associated with the 

 cultivation of ivy is the annual clipping, which should never be 

 neglected where a neat and tidy appearance is desired. The most 

 suitable season for this operation is during the months of March 

 and April, immediately before the young leaves begin to make 

 their growth. Do not be afraid of using the shears in the case of 



