The Garden Magazine, July, 1922 



317 



ing among rocks and from above 

 hang many wire and rustic baskets 

 of Maiden-hair Ferns, Orchids, 

 and Begonias. Stag- and Moose- 

 horn Ferns ornament the columns 

 and a wonderful old Wisteria has 

 been trained to cover the ceiling 

 with a pattern of green and 

 lavender. In this famous lath 

 house are growing eighty-four 

 kinds of Fibrous-rooted Begonias, 

 thirty-two varieties of Rex. 



CONDITIONS at San Diego 

 are ideal for Begonias and a 

 real collection is that of Mrs. 

 Frank Waite who recommends a 

 long list of ever-blooming out-door 

 kinds which only ask a protected 

 position and a well drained soil. 

 The choicest varieties of Rex, 

 Haageana, metallica, and all 

 others whose beauty depends upon 

 unblemished velvety or silky- 

 textured foliage, need the protec- 

 tion of the lath house. Beneath its 

 shelter they find just the right 

 degree of warmth; moist air un- 

 disturbed by rough winds; light 

 and sun to bring out the colors of 

 their blossoms; and rich, loose soil 

 for their roots. The beautiful Tree 

 Begonias climb like vines up the 

 columns, or stand alone, pushing 

 their blooms even through the 

 slats of the roof with astonishing 

 vigor and display of color. 



AT BALBOA PARK 



The lath house may be variously constructed 

 and often affords a picturesque setting as well 

 as effectual shelter for plants of the tropics 



In nearly all lath houses watering is done by over- 

 head irrigation. 



Vines of many kinds find the lath house exactly 

 to their liking. It furnishes them with the support 

 needed, at the same time permitting a wholesome 

 circulation of air all about them and a chance to drop 

 pendant blooms through the laths or lift them high up 

 into the sun on the outside. Wisteria makes a 

 splendid showing whether planted outside or in. The 

 Marechal Niel Rose also does its very best beneath 

 such shelter. The blue-belled Sollya, Passion Vine, 

 Clematis, Kudzu and numerous tropical vines trans- 

 form the lath house into an enchanted bower. 



Cinerarias, Tigridias, Gloxinias, Anemones, Lobelias, 

 Impatiens, Primulas, Crotons, Coleus, and many Lilies 

 reach an enviable state of perfection within a lath 

 house. Besides being used to make masses of color 

 they are frequently grown in pots which can be 

 moved about when special displays are wanted. 

 Of course, Ferns in variety thrive in this woodsy 

 sort of home. 



LATH HOUSE OF MR. A. D. ROBINSON, 

 SAN DIEGO, CAL. 



At present sheltering Miss Kate Sessions, 

 pioneer planter and botanist, who has Mr. 

 Robinson's new Dahlia Fairchild in her 

 hand; overhead are magnificent hanging 

 baskets of Begonias 



