130 THE WILD GARDEN. 



Virginian Creepers, Ampelopsis. — Although thi« chapter is 

 mostly devoted to herbaceous plants, the Viroiuiaii Creeper and its 

 allies are so nseful for forming curtains in rocky places, ravines, or over 

 old trees, that they deserve mention here. These plants are not very 

 distant relations of the vine — the wild American vines which are 

 worthy of a place in our groves, garlanding trees as they do in a grand 

 way. Some noble in colour of leaf are growTi in nurseries — U. Huni- 

 Iwldti being remarkable both for colour and size of leaf. 



Bamboo, Bamhusa. — In many parts of England, Ireland, and 

 Wales, various kinds of Bamboos are perfectly hardy, and not only 

 hardy, but thrive freely. In cold, dry, and inland districts, it is true, 

 they grow with difficulty — all the greater reason for making the best 

 use of them where they grow freely. Their beauty is the more 

 precious from their being wholly distinct in habit from any other 

 plants or shrubs that we grow. The delicate feathering of the young, 

 tall, and slender shoots, the charming arching of the stems, have often 

 been fertile in suggestion to the Japanese artist, and often adorn his 

 best work. They may be enjoyed with all the charms of life in many 

 wardens. The wild garden, where the climate is suitable, is the best 

 home for Bamboos. They are so tall and so enduring at the roots that 

 they will take care of themselves among the tallest and strongest plants 

 or bushes, and the partial shelter of the thin wood or copse preserves 

 their abundant leaves from violent and cold wimls. Along by cpiiet 

 Grass walks, in sheltered dells, in little bogs, in the shrubbery, or in 

 little lawns opened in woods for the formation of wild gardens, the 

 Bamboo will be at home. Tlie commonest kind is that generally 

 known as Arundinaria falcata (sometimes called Bambusa gracilis) ; 

 but others, such as Bambusa Metake, B. Simmonsi, and B. viridis- 

 glaucescens, are of eciual or greater value. They all delight in rich, 

 light, and moist soils. 



Baptisia. — A strong Lupin-like plant seldom grown in gardens, 

 but beautiful when in bloom for its long blue racemes of pea flowers, 

 c^rowin" three to four feet high ; it will hold its own in strong soil. 



Borage, Borago. — A genus seldom seen out of Botanic gardens, 

 where they form part of the usual distressing arrangements honoured 

 with the name of " scientific." Among the best kinds for our purpose 

 are B. cretica and B. orientalis, even the well-known annual kind 

 will be found a pretty plant, naturalised and useful for covering 

 mounds. 



Bell-flower, Camimnula. — Beautiful and generally blue-flowered 



