U GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



or Daisy Bush, Olearia Haasti, would prove satisfactory as a low 

 hedge. 



Pruning Clematis montana 



Q. The house that I have leased has a very old Clematis montana 

 growing over porch in front. When I first saw the house this was a 

 mass of white bloorn, but underneath the bloom was a thick mass of 

 dead wood, which I thought most objectionable. When doing up 

 the house all this had to be cut away, now the front of the house is 

 covered with long trails. I am told there will be no blossom next 

 year if I trim these long trails, but I cannot have them hanging all 

 over the place, yet I should like to have the blossom. M. de A'., 

 Bournemouth. 



A. C. montana requires quite different treatment from C. Jack- 

 mani, as the former flowers next year on the growths made this 

 year. If you wish for flowers next year you must leave this year's 

 young growths. Cut back the plant each year as soon as the flowers 

 are over. C. Jackmani is in flower now (August) on the growths 

 made this spring and early summer. 



Pruning Ivy 



Q. Please tell me how to proceed when pruning Ivy on wall. 

 When should I prune? E. M. If., AsJibourne. 



A. The specimen you send is one of the large-leaved Ivies, called 

 Hedera Helix Amurensis. You may prune it in March, and it can 

 be cut back fairly hard so as to get it back to the wall. Subsequent 

 primings may take place twice a year, spring and summer, to keep 

 it within bounds, the spring pruning being severe and the second or 

 summer pruning in July light. In the former case it may be cut 

 well back to the wall, whilst in the latter case the long, loose shoots 

 only should be shortened. It is usually advisable to use a knife 

 instead of shears for the large leaved Ivies, for if leaves are mutilated 

 they are very unsightly. 



Evergreens for Hedge 



Q. Can you advise as to planting an evergreen shrub for a 

 division line position, north side of house shaded by an Ash tree, 

 height to be kept to 2 feet? Would Butcher's Broom (Ruscus 

 aculeatus) be suitable 1 if so, would it be too late to plant now 

 (November) 1 and what distance apart should you plant to form a 

 continuous row ! I want to keep clear of Privet. F. M., Leicester. 



A. The plant you suggest, Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus), 



