130 THE WILD GARDEN. 
Virginian Creepers, Ampelopsis.—Although this chapter is 
mostly devoted to herbaceous plants, the Virginian Creeper and its 
allies are so useful for forming curtains in rocky places, ravines, or over 
old trees, that they deserve mention here. These plants are not very 
distant relations of the vine—the wild American vines which are 
worthy of a place in our groves, garlanding trees as they do ina grand 
way. Some noble in colour of leaf are grown in nurseries—U. Hum- 
boldti being remarkable both for colour and size of leaf. 
Bamboo, Bambusa—In many parts of England, Ireland, and 
Wales, various kinds of Bamboos are perfectly hardy, and not only 
hardy, but.thrive freely. In cold, dry, and inland districts, it is true, 
they grow with difficulty—all the greater reason for making the best 
use of them where they grow freely. Their beauty is the more 
precious from their being wholly distinct in habit from any other 
plants or shrubs that we grow. The delicate feathering of the young, 
tall, and slender shoots, the charming arching of the stems, have often 
been fertile in suggestion to the Japanese artist, and often adorn his 
best work. They may be enjoyed with all the charms of life in many 
gardens. The wild garden, where the climate is suitable, is the best 
home for Bamboos. They are so tall and so enduring at the roots that 
they will take care of themselves among the tallest and strongest plants 
or bushes, and the partial shelter of the thin wood or copse preserves 
their abundant leaves from violent and cold winds. Along by quiet 
Grass walks, in sheltered dells, in little bogs, in the shrubbery, or in 
little lawns opened in woods for the formation of wild gardens, the 
Bamboo will be at home. The commonest kind is that generally 
known as Arundinaria falcata (sometimes called Bambusa gracilis) ; 
but others, such as Bambusa Metake, B. Simmonsi, and B, viridis- 
glaucescens, are of equal or greater value. They all delight in rich, 
light, and moist soils. 
Baptisia.—A strong Lupin-like plant seldom grown in gardens, 
but beautiful when in bloom for its long blue racemes of pea flowers, 
growing three to four feet high ; it will hold its own in strong soil. 
Borage, Borago.—A genus seldom seen out of Botanic gardens, 
where they form part of the usual distressing arrangements honoured 
with the name of “scientific.” Among the best kinds for our purpose 
are B. cretica and B. orientalis, even the well-known annual kind 
will be found a pretty plant, naturalised and useful for covering 
mounds. 
Bell-flower, Campanula,—Beautiful and generally blue-flowered 
