by simply applying a mulch of leaves, straw or peat, or well-rotted manure, 
in the late fall. The mulch can be made to do double duty since it can be . 
incorporated with the soil in the spring. Amateur gardeners are well aware 
that a little extra care is worth while for most new plants in the garden, and 
this is true of Clematis. It might be of interest to state that Clematis plants 
have withstood a temperature of 40 degrees below zero without injury when 
a protective mulch had been used. It is the alternate freezing and thawing 
during winter months that does harm to plants, hence the reason for using a 
mulch. In the case of Clematis the injury occurs at the collar of the plant. 
For regions north of Washington, mulching is especially recommended not 
only the first winter, but as a cheap insurance every winter. 
The large-flowered Clematis are an equally desirable adjunct to the small 
backyard garden, to the large estate, or to the public park, since they lend 
themselves to so many different treatments. Trellises, pergolas, arches, wire 
supports, fences, old stumps, and the like, make desirable supports for these 
extraordinary flowers. Clematis supported on wires make distinctive tracery 
on garden walls. Trellises covered with such species as Lawsoniana, or 
Comtesse de Bouchaud, and Mme. Baron-Veillard, to mention only a few, 
add color and charm to any veranda and help greatly to connect the house 
with the garden. Many climbing plants are used for this purpose, and it is 
always wise to choose plants of distinction and character to create such 
harmony. Indeed, the unique beauty of the Clematis makes it especially 
desirable for this purpose. Architectural features in the garden often seem to 
assume undue prominence, and there is a need for plant material which will 
embellish and yet soften such features as pergolas without being coarse. 
Practically every variety of the large-flowered Clematis can be used to 
advantage. It may be a definite color that is sought, or a certain feature that 
is needed to make a vista more complete. Clematis may be combined with 
climbing roses on fences and arbors, or they may be used on posts or old tree- 
stumps in the perennial border. Whatever may be the requirement in the 
way of climbing plants, there is surely some species or variety of Clematis 
that can be used. Not only is the color-range great (as the reader will observe 
from the many kinds listed), but the foliage and seed-pods are decidedly 
unique. 
As cut-flowers in the home, many of the Clematis can be used to advan- 
tage. They may be put in tall vases or arranged in low bowls. Some- 
times sprays can be used for drooping effects, to break the formality of the 
container. 
The large-flowered Clematis hybrids are propagated by grafting, layer- 
ing, and cuttings, but it is generally conceded by authorities that the most 
10 JOA MEE Si? GSE O RAG? ha SSO" N 
