WORTHY OF GENERAL CULTURE. 
59 
Another climber worthy of special mention is the Aristolochia sypho ; very useful for training on a porch, covering an 
outbuilding, or for any purpose where a dense screen is desired. Its vigorous growth and the graceful habit of its large 
heart-shaped leaves (often twelve inches across), lapping one over the other, make it, to my mind, the noblest of all hardy 
climbers. Among climbers there is none more hardy than Akebia quinata. It is abundantly clothed with dark-green leaves, 
divided into five lobes. The quaintly-characteristic tri-lobed flowers are purplish maroon in color, and very fragrant. It 
is not a rooted climber like ivy, so will not cling to a wall unaided ; but, given a trellis or a support as a base of operation, 
it will twine and wreathe itself in every conceivable position. One of the handsomest Akebia plants I have ever seen was 
twisted into a compact mass some four feet in diameter, and extended to a height of twenty feet, making a perfect pillar of 
leaves and blossoms. 
Although not a hardy climber, we cannot refrain from calling attention to the merit of the Ipomea noctiflora (Moon 
Flower), which is rapidly increasing in popularity. It is of very rapid growth, and the foliage is large and fine. The 
large pure white flowers, five inches in diameter, are produced freely ; they open only at night, and on clear nights produce 
a most picturesque appearance. 
The annual Sweet Peas are well known and popular here, but the Everlasting Pea, which is still prettier and entirely 
hardy is never seen. In England it is one of the most popular vines ; it cannot be trained to any great height, but for 
covering a fence or low trellis, or for scrambling over bushes, it is very effective. 
Plans and Estimates Furnished. 
We have a great many applications for plans, and we have made 
arrangements for supplying them. We purpose doing this free for 
our customers, but make a nominal charge, which is afterward 
credited on the bill if stock necessary to do the planting is purchased 
from us. If plans are wanted for beds and borders, all that is neces¬ 
sary is to send the desired sizes and a description of the location they 
are to occupy. If it is desired that we locate the beds, groups or 
borders, a plat of the grounds, drawn to scale, should be sent, 
walks, trees, shrubbery, etc., should be carefully indicated. 
The 
For 
location of all buildings 
large grounds, where extensive planting and improvements are required, a personal visit would 
be necessary, and this can be arranged for by correspondence. 
The Making of a Hardy Border. 
On the following page we give plans which are intended to be suggestive of the manner of 
arranging hardy plants. In some instances these plans can be used as they are given, but the 
majority of places will require special plans made for them. 
The size and location of the border depend upon the taste and opportunities of the individual. Along the face of a 
vegetable garden, or on both sides of a walk running through it, are desirable locations, and the high culture necessary' to 
raise good vegetables will be of benefit to the plants. If back of such a border a rustic trellis is made and covered with 
flowering climbers, such as Clematis, Honeysuckles and Everlasting Teas, the effect will be greatly enhanced. Along a 
fence is another good location for a hardy' border, and the fence will serve the purpose of trellis for hardy' vines. Along the 
face of a shrubbery is a most effective place for a hardy border, and among the shrubs may be planted the taller-growing 
Lilies and perennials with beautiful effect; and when it is not possible or desirable to make a border on the face of a 
shrubbery', the recesses usually' there could be most charmingly filled with Narcissus and many beautiful low-grow ing 
perennials. We give a plan for a hardy border which will give a general idea of the proper mode of planting. 1 he width 
of this border is six to nine feet, and is made with an irregular front to face the lawn. Of course the border must be made 
to suit the location, and can be from three to twelve feet in w'idth, or even wider. We are prepared to make plans for 
borders of any description, and will do so for a nominal charge, which is returned if stock necessary to plant them is 
purchased from us. 
The principal things to be remembered in planting a hardy border are as follows: 
First.—G roup each variety of flowers by itself. 
SECOND. —Surround all tall-growing plants by low ones, that they may stand out boldly and effectively. 
Third. —Plant to obtain as long and as continuous a season of bloom as possible, extending from early spring until 
late fall. 
Fourth. —Use the spring flowering bulbs very freely, as they bloom at a time when flowers have their greatest charm, 
and the same soil can be occupied with plants that bloom at a different season. 
Fifth. —Plant so as to leave no bare ground, and keep thoroughly well weeded. Ihis is very important, for a hardy 
border never will be a complete success unless kept entirely free from weeds. 
About every' second year many of the plants should be taken up and divided, and a portion of them removed to other 
parts of the ground. The fall is the proper time for doing this. 
