98 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



effect or suitable position. One of the commonest mistakes is 

 planting Roses in beds mixed with trees or shrubs ; in most 

 cases the more delicate Rose simply drags out a miserable 

 existence. The old vigorous climbing Roses do succeed admir- 

 ably amongst shrubs, but to expect Hybrid Perpetuals, Teas, 

 and some of the dwarf-growing ones to answer is not quite 

 reasonable. 



Another mistake is overcrowding both dwarfs and standards, 

 an error frequently fallen into by amateurs. They may appear 

 to have plenty of space at the time of planting, but in the 

 course of a year or so it is found that the growth is very 

 congested and interlaced, when it is impossible for it to get 

 properly matured ; and if a hard winter follows, the major part 

 of the plants are killed. Insect pests and fungoid attacks are also 

 encouraged by thick planting, and are, moreover, extremely diffi- 

 cult to eradicate under such conditions. 



In many gardens there is a border with a background 

 consisting of a wall, fence, or living hedge, and, providing 

 the border is of fair width, say 6ft. to loft., nothing could be 

 better for producing a fine effect. If a wall is at the back, 

 fruit-trees can be grown thereon in the usual manner, 

 and about 3ft. from the wall can be planted climbing 

 Roses, trained up rustic stakes, at a distance of loft. to 15ft. 

 apart, selecting such varieties as Crimson Rambler, Fortune's 

 Yellow (Syn. Beauty of Glazenwood), the Dawson Rose, a 

 vigorous variety bearing great bunches of pink flowers, Alister 

 Stella Gray, a charming yellow variety and an abundant blossomer, 

 and Thalia, a lovely white Rose. All these do famously on 

 poles or long stakes. If more varieties are required, almost 

 any of the climbing sorts will answer. Between these climbing 

 Roses tall standards may be planted, and if these have some- 

 what weeping heads, they will present a lovely appearance 

 when in blossom. Most of the moderate-growing climbing 

 varieties lend themselves admirably to this method of culture, 

 and flower profusely. The back row being thus composed of 

 tall plants, the next row may be made of half-standards and 

 the more vigorous-growing varieties in bush form, planting them 

 alternately at a distance of 4ft. apart, with a judicious arrange- 

 ment as to colour, and selecting those that are well known to 

 be free-flowering amongst Hybrid Perpetuals, Hybrid Teas, and 

 strong-growing Teas. The front of the border can be filled 

 with a good selection of dwarf Teas and Hybrid Perpetuals, and 



