CHAPTER FIFTEEN 



GREEN DRAPERIES 



"In a garden Nature is not to be her simple self, but is to be sub- 

 ject to man's conditions, his choice, his rejection." 



John Sedding. 



VNES are the draperies of the garden, and as 

 much thought should be given to their choice 

 and bestowal as to the hangings of a room. 

 The wrong vine may mar an otherwise pleasant scene, 

 and the right one will frequently quite redeem the com- 

 monplace. Architectural indiscretions and enormities 

 may be buried and forgotten beneath a heavy covering 

 of vines, and many a crude and unsightly object brought 

 into harmony with its surroundings through the kindly 

 tact of some gracious climbing plant. No need to 

 emphasize the charm of vineclad arbours and porches, 

 of green-draped walls and gateways, which do so much 

 toward giving to our gardens the appearance of per- 

 manence and livableness so much desired. But per- 

 haps it is a little needful to speak of the fact that the 

 chief factor in this charm is luxuriance, which may not 

 be had without generous preparation of the spot the 

 vine is to occupy. 



Nearly all climbing plants require a rich soil to sup- 



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