340 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



introducing a cane or two of the vine in conjunction with low- 

 growing plants that do not require to occupy space. It would 

 invite failure, for instance, to attempt to grow tomatoes and 

 vines in the same small house, but the vine, hi conjunction hi 

 summer with such subjects as begonias, gloxinias, and in autumn 

 with chrysanthemums or ferns, would not be out of place. 



The next point to be decided by the grower is whether he shall 

 make his border inside or outside the house. Either or a com- 

 bination of both will serve the purpose, but for very practical 

 reasons the outside border is to be preferred, if room can be found 

 for it. These reasons are that the outside border is much more 

 easily renovated than that inside the house. If it be properly con- 

 structed, it will require very little attention for some years other 

 than a liberal surface dressing of rich soil during winter and 

 soakings at intervals with water and liquid manure during the 

 heat of summer. 



How to construct the border is the next problem that needs 

 solution. Much depends upon it, for if it be badly made there 

 need be little hope of ultimate success. Thorough drainage is 

 the first essential hi a properly made border. No matter how 

 good the soil or how well placed the house, if the drainage be 

 deficient satisfactory cultivation is impossible. And in order to 

 ensure this essential element it is advisable first to dig out the 

 border to a depth of at least three feet nine inches. The width 

 of the border may be as little as four feet where space is limited, 

 but if possible it should be as much as six or even eight feet. 



An excellent drainage system can be established if on the 

 bottom of the cavity brickbats, rubbish, and stones be placed to 

 a depth of at least nine inches. If a quantity of broken chalk can 

 also be introduced, so much the better. In any case, the brickbats, 

 etc., should be rammed down hard, preparatory to placing in 

 position the next layer. This should consist of good thick turves, 

 two deep, and laid grass downwards. On top of this a fairly 

 thick layer of fibrous loam, with which some well -rotted manure 

 has been mixed, should be added, and for the surface a thickness 

 of fine soil composed of a mixture of loam, bone meal and peat. 



