300 



GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



parts of England that has always been noted for its open-air Vines, and 

 cottagers sometimes make good sums of money by the sale of Grapes from 

 their walls. The Vines generally cover the roof, as well as the front of the 

 cottage, being supported by a wooden framework, about fifteen inches 

 from the roof. Vines delight in abundance of sunshine, and should be 

 planted against a wall facing south. A border must be prepared, but 

 this is quite easy, as it need not be more than two and a-half feet deep 

 and three feet in width. A border of these dimensions, if composed of 

 good holding heavy soil, with a little bone meal and a liberal quantity 

 of old mortar rubble added, will support Vines for many years, provided 



TWO GROWING SHOOTS TO BE GRAFTED. DOTTED LINES 

 SHOW WHERE TO CUT 



THE SHOOTS JOINED 

 TOGETHER 



the roots are well mulched with short manure, and assisted with liquid 

 or artificial manure when the berries are swelling. 



Rich borders encourage a strong sappy growth, which does 

 not ripen properly, and invariably gets crippled in winter. With 

 regard to drainage, if the ground is naturally porous, nothing more 

 than spreading six or eight inches of broken bricks or clinkers 

 in the bottom will be necessary, but if the subsoil is at all retentive, 

 a drain pipe, three inches in diameter, must be put down in a 

 slanting direction to carry away superfluous water. Cover the drainage 

 with turf, grass side downwards, to prevent the soil from blocking it, 

 and this must be made firm by treading or ramming. Obtain moderately 



