684 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



greatest beauty and interest. In fact, so plentiful are they that 

 sufficient different species belonging to one genus alone could 

 be named to provide creepers for the rafters and roofs of the 

 hothouses of most ordinary-sized establishments. That, however, 

 is not the plan we have mapped out for our readers' guidance. 

 We propose to select a few from the various families ; such 

 kinds as will, with ordinary care and attention, produce a 

 pleasing variety, and reward the cultivator by producing hand- 

 some foliage and lovely flowers. Notice should be taken of the 

 particular way in which twining plants turn naturally round their 

 supports, so that in training they are not forced to grow in 

 the opposite direction. Some twist round from right to left ; 

 that is, to a person supposed to be in the centre of the coil, 

 the young shoots would pass across his chest from the right 

 arm to the left. The Passion-flower twines in that direction, 

 while the Hop and Honeysuckle are common examples of those 

 that twine from left to right. 



As a general rule, climbing shrubs require the wood to be w^ell 

 ripened in the autumn in order that they may grow vigorously 

 and flower freely the next season. This may be effected by 

 watering sparingly at that season, and exposing to bright sunshine, 

 as much as possible without injuring the foliage. 



A little thinning and cutting out of weak shoots will be 

 necessary in some cases during the growing season, but the 

 principal pruning and spurring back should be done just before 

 starting them into fresh growth. This is also the best time to 

 remove most of the old soil from those that are in pots, repotting 

 rather firmly into clean, well-drained pots, and fixing wire trellises 

 if required. Water only when necessary to keep the soil just 

 moist until the new roots reach the sides of the pots. If young 

 shoots are produced too thickly, some may be removed in the 

 manner practised in grape-growing, to avoid a too thick production 

 of weak shoots, and produce an even balance of growth all over 

 the plants. 



Attend early to keeping insect pests in check should they 

 appear by fumigating with XL All Vaporising Compound, 

 syringing, or sponging, according to the nature of the enemy. 

 Use caution in ventilating, avoiding cold draughts. Close the 

 ventilators early in the afternoon to economise sun heat, and 

 provide thin shading for use during bright sunshine. 



Allamandas are well known for the beauty of their gorgeous 

 golden-yellow flowers. The different species are natives of South 

 America, and rank amongst the best stove climbing shrubs we 

 have for training up the rafters and under the roof, also on wire 

 trellises for exhibition work. They undoubtedly succeed best 

 when planted out in a bed or border where they can get the 

 benefit of a gentle bottom-heat, with plenty of room overhead 

 for the branches to ramble without too much restriction. Fine 



