CLIMBING FERNS 41 



Climbing Ferns 



There are not a great many which are of a distinctly 

 climbing habit. The Lygodiums are the most prominent, 

 but it is not an extensive genus. There are about six 

 useful species, and of these L. Japonicum is the most 

 popular, and is grown extensively for market, both for 

 cutting from and as pot plants. Previous to having the 

 Asparagus in long trails, and the smilux, it was much in 

 demand, and even now it is appreciated, and for the 

 Fernery, for covering pillars, there is no prettier subject. 

 I may here state that for a long time this was known in 

 nurseries as L. scandens, but the true scandens, though a 

 pretty Fern, is not so useful. L. dichotomum is of much 

 larger proportions, and will grow to a great length, 

 twining round any support that comes in its way. 

 L. microphyllum and L. palmatum are slender growing. 

 The latter comes from America, where it is very popular, 

 being used both in a dry state and also fresh cut for 

 decorations. 



In the culture of the Lygodiums they all require some 

 attention. To keep the scandent fronds in order they 

 must be regulated. Japonicum, when grown for cutting 

 from, should have strings ; a wire run along about five 

 or six feet above the pots, and slender strings brought 

 down and fixed with a peg into the pots. Once started 

 from the base, the slender growths will twine round 

 without much attention ; but if they get entwined 

 together, it will be very difficult to separate them. As 

 pot plants they may be grown on a single stick, or three 

 sticks put in close to the rims of the pots and tied 

 together at the top. In the Fernery, standing above the 

 dwarfer sorts, they make a nice relief. Where space 

 permits, L. dichotomum should be planted out. 



Rough fibrous loam, leaf mould, to which may be 

 added a liberal addition of coarse sand, and a little well- 



