FERN-CLAD WALLS. 



45 



notably adiantums and pterises, these having a pleasing effect, and providing a large 

 supply of fronds for cutting. 



Fern-clad Walls. 



Bare walls ought not to be seen in any kind of fernery. These, instead of being an 

 eyesore, can easily be transformed into objects of beauty and utility. Sometimes 

 they are merely covered by the close evergreen, Ficus repens, with a few "pockets" filled 

 with ferns dotted about the dark-green surface. An improvement on this is to enclose peaty 

 soil, by means of galvanised wire-netting and staples, in this planting Selaginella Kraus- 

 siana, with ferns, also begonias of the Eex type, tradescantias, and a few other appro- 

 priate plants with ornamental foliage. But these require to be renewed every second 

 or third season, whereas, when ferns only, and Adiantum cuneatum in particular, are 

 employed — a really more beautiful arrangement — these retain their freshness, if properly 

 attended to, for several years, while the supply of fronds for cutting is practically 

 inexhaustible. 



"Walls may be clothed with ferns in this way. Secure widths of stout 2 -inch wire 

 netting to the bottom of the walls with the aid of strong iron hooks, these standing out 

 about 4 inches from the surface. Place sphagnum, or the best moss procurable, against 

 the netting, packing between this and the wall a mixture of two parts fibrous peat to one 

 part of fibrous loam, from which the finer particles have been shaken. Plant thinly with 

 small sporeling ferns, or well-rooted divisions, as the soil is added, driving in more 

 hooks as required. When one width is completed add another, and so forth, till the top 

 of the wall is reached. This plan is preferable to fixing the whole of the netting first, 

 and planting afterwards, for the work cannot be well done under such circumstances. 

 Walls and pillars can also be charmingly covered by the method advised. It has to be 

 remembered, however, that unless the necessarily limited amount of soil employed in 

 these arrangements is kept constantly moist, the plants rooting in it are liable to fail. 

 Frequent syringings with tepid water, with an occasional watering from the top, are 

 usually depended upon to supply all the moisture required ; but where possible a 

 small, freely perforated lead pipe, connected with a raised cistern or reservoir, should be 

 fixed along the top of the walls ; a thorough soaking can then be given as often as may 

 be needed, by merely turning on the water, this trickling down gently, and evenly, and 

 doing its work effectively. 



vol. in. u 



