Round the Year in the Garden 



possible position for plants generally, owing to lack of 

 sunshine. Yet a few climbers are sufficiently accom- 

 modating to thrive there. The Winter Jasmine ( Jasminum 

 nudiflorum), Golden Bell (Forsythia suspensa), Japanese 

 Quince (Pyrus japonica), the variegated (silver and gold) 

 Ivies, and the Climbing Hydrangea are among the 

 most useful climbers for a shady wall. The latter 

 seems not to be well known. When established it 

 clings to the wall like Ivy, by means of stem roots ; it 

 is leaf - losing, and in summer bears flat bunches of 

 white blossom. It is essential to have the ground 

 drained and well dug so that the soil does not become 

 sodden. This practice tends to assist the " ripening of 

 the wood," towards which, in a more favourable aspect, 

 sunshine is so important a factor. The branches of the 

 climbers must be arranged thinly ; if they are allowed 

 to become crowded there is less chance than ever of 

 their bearing flowers. Among the rampant climbers 

 suitable for a north wall, those impossible of attach- 

 ment in orthodox fashion by means of nails and 

 shreds, are the Traveller's Joy (Clematis Vitalba), 

 Virgin's Bower (Clematis flammula) and the beautiful 

 Polygonum baldschuanicum. Roses suitable for a 

 north wall have already been mentioned. 



Hotbeds. Those who do not possess a glasshouse 

 will find a hotbed to be of great advantage, for by its 

 aid seedlings of many favourite plants can be raised. 

 The most useful hotbed is made of leaves and strawy 

 manure, which may be mixed together in about equal 

 quantities. This mixture, while not giving so much 

 warmth as manure alone, is more lasting and therefore 

 likely to be generally useful. The manure ought to be 

 turned over thoroughly several times before being made 

 up, and the hotbed must be trodden firmly, otherwise 

 it will not retain heat. If a 6-inch layer of soil is 

 placed upon the leaves and manure, half-hardy annuals 

 and vegetables in variety may be raised there with 



170 



