438 



GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



the soil would be higher and more even than would that of an outside 

 border, and so conduce to early root action and growth. 



The depth of the border should be 3 feet, and for the first year 

 need not be more than 4 feet wide. It is a far better practice to 

 make a small border when planting, and add a little fresh soil every 

 year, than to at once construct a large border, that by the time it is 

 full of roots will probably have become sour. If the subsoil is known 



FIG. 32. Vines in span-roofed house : all space utilised. 



to be heavy and close, small drain-pipes must be placed in the bottom, 

 3 feet apart, sloping towards the front of the vinery, if the 



2 or 



border be inside, and away from it if outside, and in each case be con- 

 nected with a main drain. If, however, the subsoil is dry and gravelly, 

 and therefore porous, drain-pipes are not required. Supposing these to 

 have been placed in, if necessary, and carefully covered with large 

 stones to prevent breakage; sufficient brick rubble should be placed 

 over the bottom of the border to make a covering 9 inches deep. 

 This makes a splendid foundation for a Vine border, and affords ex- 

 cellent drainage. 



To prevent the soil from choking the drainage up, fill the remaining 



