126 
PARK AND CEMETERY 
measurably by the very nature of the vines native to 
that state as well as by the climate. The Mulenbeckia, 
a species resembling the finest maiden hair fern, covers 
old walls like a skin, and the Ficus may be trained over 
the ceilings and side walls of porticos because of its 
habit of thriving in the shade, although it is a more 
delicate green when growing within the porch. At 
Del Monte, huge bouquets of roses are seen at inter- 
vals about the grounds, gained by training the vines 
up the standards of lamp-posts, while arbors, roof cov- 
ered dwellings, swings and pagodas, which are a per- 
fect blaze of red or yellow, are common features of the 
landscape in the neighborhood of Pasadena or Los 
Angeles. On one of the precipitous streets of San 
Francisco there is a residence called the vine house, 
which is a shower bouquet of nasturtiums. From its 
very eaves to the edge of the cliff on which the build- 
ing rests, and over the edge down to the street, tumbles 
the mass of riotous bloom which sings the song of life 
everlasting, ever lovely, to those who have eyes to see 
what may be produced by a little thought, a little care 
and much love for pure beauty. 
Hydrangeas. 
By Richard Rothe. 
For brightening the general aspect of home grounds 
and lawns we have certain special favorites whose 
merits have made them extremely popular. Of the 
shrubs hydrangeas are highly esteemed for this use. 
The hardy variety, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora 
equaled in enduring qualities perhaps only by the crim- 
son rambler rose, finds a place in almost every cottage 
yard from the Atlantic to the Pacific. As single speci- 
mens as well as for floral effect in masses this shrub 
is practically indispensable, especially as its flowering 
season in August comes at a time when most of the 
other inhabitants of garden and park have long since 
shed their wealth of blossom. The old Chinese Varie- 
ties, Hydrangea Hortensis and Hydrangea Otaksa, are 
also extremely desirable ornaments for lawn and gar- 
den. While pronounced hardy under cover as far 
north as Newport, a majority of gardeners and grow- 
ers in the middle and northeastern states cultivate those 
varieties in pots or tubs, removing them to safe shelter 
during winter. Aside from the advantage of being 
able to keep the soil on the dry side while the plants 
are dormant — in my experience one of the essentials 
for free flowering — tubs can be placed and changed 
at will without the least disturbance to growth. Green- 
house hydrangeas are propagated by cuttings taken 
from the plants in spring, while their growth is soft. 
The young slips if inserted in sand or moist light soil 
strike roots in from two to three 
weeks. Temperature should be 
not over 60 degrees. 
The commercial grower, who 
handles large numbers, pots his 
hydrangeas first in three-inch 
pots, and after the roots have 
taken a firm hold of the soil, 
moves the young plants outdoors 
in the full sunlight, where they 
are planted in the open ground 
in rows, far enough apart to 
allow the free use of hoe and 
cultivator, repotting them during 
autumn. The amateur will work- 
according to circumstances on 
similar lines, or if he has no 
ground at his disposal, may 
adopt potculture. In the latter 
case young thrifty plants, dur- 
ing their first season, will re- 
quire shifting twice, so as to have the plants well 
established in six-inch pots when their growth stops 
in the fall. As for older specimens, replanting is 
done always in spring, before the buds show signs 
of activity. Add some bone meaf or well decayed 
cow manure to the soil, look for good drainage at 
the bottom of the pots, and above all, keep in mind 
that hydrangeas need plenty of water while growing. 
Large plants in tubs do not need renewal of soil every 
season. In fact, they will produce more flowers when 
left undisturbed for a number of years. Stimulants 
