The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1913-09-18
tBv EBEN F. REXFORD

by EBEN f. REXFORDD
The illustration accompanying this
article shows two of the best hardy
Towering vines we have for general
use
The clematis-C. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
in the center of this picture, is of
comparatively recent introduction, but
its merits are so striking that it has
already become one of our most pop
ular vines
Unlike the large Towering varieties
of the clematis family, its seems en-
tirely free from disease OF its hardi-
ness there can be no question; and
unlike the hybrid sorts, it has attrac-
tive foliage that would make it valu-
able for covering screens, even if it
had no flowers at all
Its blossoms are white, small in size,
individually, but borne in such pro-
fusion that the upper portion of the
vine is entirely covered with them,
making il look, at little distance, as
if shower OF snow had fallen on
it.
A more beautiful sight than a well
developed specimen in the prime OF
its Towering season it would be hard
to find. The brilliance of color, which
prevails to a great extent among the
large Towering varieties is lacking,
but what it lacks in this respect is
more than up for in the dainty, ex-
quisite beauty of it's long, loose PAM
cles of bloom.
Another striking argument in its
favor is its late Towering habit. 1t
does not come into bloom until after
the other vines are in the sere and
yellow leaf season.
1t is always rapid grower, and will
climb to the second story if given
something to support itself by. | con
slider it one Of our very best Towering
vines. The best, am almost tempted
to say.
Plant it in a soil OF good loan, well
drained. All the growth of the season
will die off In the winter. at the
north. Heap some leaves over its
roots. Protection is not absolutely
necessary, but | am firm in the faith
that even our hardest plants will
come through in so much better con
dition if it is given that 1t is well
worth while to give them some kind
of covering.
The other vine shown on the screen
In the corner of the picture is honey.
suckle, whose habit OF growth admir-,
ably fits in for screening purposes.
1t does not grow rampantly enough
to make constant pruning and clipping
necessary to keep 1t within bounds
but it covers a screen OF ordinary
height with thick mass of foliage
that will be found entirely effective in
hiding unsightliness, or protecting the
inmates Of a home from the observa.
ton of passers by.
When in bloom it challenges the
admiration of those who pass ordi-
nary plants by without attention, and
when out of bloom it is even much
more attractive than the average
vine, because of the density OF its
foliage and its graceful habit OF
growth
Right here is good place to make
some suggestions about the cultivation
Of vines around the house. 1t is com
planned that some kinds OF vines make
a most unsatisfactory growth, and an
explanation is often asked for the
coil ,.ra nrlrr
in such general terms with no state
ment as to existing conditions can.
not be answered with any degree OF
deflniteness; but l presume that in
the majority of cases the vines were
set in soil thrown out from a cellar or
excavation made from the walls OF
the dwelling.
Such soils are generally not adapted
to the vigorous growth of anything
that may be planted in them, being
hard. heavy and lacking in elements
of plant growth.
Before any plant can be grown in
| them with success, it is necessary to
| break up existing conditions and TO
/ put them in shape 10 nourish whatever
may be planted in them.
| Heavy soils can be enlightened by
Incorporating with them sand, loan
| anything that will make them more
porous Wood and coal ashes will
answer this purpose to some extent.
Old mortar is excellent. Add what
ever you find available. and work ii
into the original soil until its heavy
condition is relieved. At the same
time add plenty of fertilizer of some
/ kind and work this in too.
If this is done, in a short time you
will be able to grow vines along the