122 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



these having oak posts supporting two iron rods forming the arch, threading the post 

 and rods with galvanised iron wire. 



Pergolas, an Italian idea, are being largely preferred to archways for covering a 

 considerable length of walk, bnt should not be fixed where they would obstruct a 

 good view. Pergolas consist merely of a series of oak uprights not less than 6 inches 

 or more than 9 inches in diameter, arranged 2 feet apart and let well into the ground 

 braced together longitudinally and transversely with lighter poles. In this manner the 

 framework is cheaply constructed, and when clothed with roses, clematises, aristolochias, 

 wistarias, hops, ivies, and other favourite climbers, a delightful promenade is created. 

 Good borders ought to be provided for these climbers, and forest tree roots should not 

 have access to them. Lilies and a variety of other bulbous-rooted plants may be 

 associated with the climbers in the borders without detriment to them. 



Statuary is principally to be found in public parks, also in large private gardens, and 

 can be very well dispensed with in small grounds. Eows of figures, busts and groups 

 rarely aiford satisfaction, but a few vases judiciously placed and tastefully furnished are 

 admissible, even in small gardens (see page 43). When statuary is desired in 

 pleasure grounds, a single full-length figure arranged with a leafy background shows 

 to the best advantage, and is rendered additionally interesting if commemorative of an 

 historical fact, such as shown in Fig. Gl. Shoddy statuary is not worth garden room, 

 and, on the other hand, valuable works of art ought not to be exposed to all weathers, as 

 this has the eff'ect of quickly depreciating their value. 



Plants for Arches, Arbours and Bowers. 



Among very strong-growing or rambling plants suitable only for festooning large 

 arbours or pergolas are the Virginian creeper (Ampelopsis), Dutchman's pipe (Aristo- 

 lochia), previously referred to ; the common hop (Humulus lupulus), also the annual 

 Japanese hop (H. japonica), of which plants raised from seeds early in the spring will 

 clothe an archway the same season, and grape vines. These kinds cover a large 

 extent of space quickly in the summer and aff'ord dense shade. Also very free in 

 growth, as well as beautiful when in flower, is the Wistaria sinesis with its pendent 

 lilac racemes in the spring, and laburnums are mach admired when trained over bowers 

 to form arches of golden flowers in May. 



Care must be taken that robust kinds do not overgrow others which are less 

 vigorous, but for certain positions more desirable. Among these are the sweet white 



