VINES ABOUT THE PORCH OF W. C. EGAN. EGANDALE, ILL. 

 Pandanus utilis to the left, Akebia quinata in the center and Pandanus veitchii to the right. 



PORCH TIXES 

 By W. C. Egan 



A porch, ample in width, shaded from 

 the scorching sun, and its occupants 

 shielded from the gaze of the passers by, 

 is a real desideratmii for a summer home. 

 There is probably no hardv vine more suit- 

 able for forming a porch screen than the 

 Japanese Akebia quinata. When once es- 

 tablished in a light, rich soil, it will make 

 a growth often to fifteen feet in a single 

 season. I have often pulled out a vine 

 that has run in under the porch and f oimd 

 it over thirty feet long, and as pliable as a 

 clothes-line. In Japan it is used in basket 

 and wicker work. This pliability is an 

 admirable feature as, if the support car- 

 rying it is properly constructed, the whole 

 vine-work may be laid over nearly down to 

 the lawn when painting the house is de- 

 sired. The leafage is digitate, slender and 



nearly evergreen, and is especially attrac- 

 tive when silhoutted against a moon-lit 

 sky. It is not subject to the attacks of 

 any of the worms and insects that infest 

 some vines, which certainly is a desirable 

 attribute. The flowers are fragrant, more 

 curious than handsome, being a rosy pur- 

 ple in color. The fruit, which is edible, 

 is seldom produced in this country. This 

 vine is a twiner, consequently its support 

 should be slender rods. Quarter inch 

 iron rods painted the color of the wood- 

 work are suitable for permanent supports. 

 When meshed fencing wire is used the 

 growth gets in the narrow spaces of the 

 mesh, and when enlarged, strangulation 

 ensues. A careful training at first is neces- 

 sary, as the vine is a permanent one and 

 should be led in the desired directions. 



