The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1915-04-28
THE UGLY CITY BACKYARD MADE
INTO A GARDEN.
(By Lille shostac strunskv,l

Nby Llllle SHOSIaC StrtnSky.D
1t is possible to convert the city
backyard into quite a wonderful gar
den, almost as wonderful. in fact, as
that planted under more favorable
circumstances. To the average city
dweller there seems little that can
be done to the exterior OF his home,
but there are many plants that will
survive the hard conditions of the
big town and cover his brick walls
with green and his backyard with
many colored bloom.
We are fortunate in having a vine
that will withstand any conditions
the Boston Ivy. That vigorous climber
is something to be grateful for, so
brayely does It Withstand drought,
torrid waves and the gaseous vapor3
that abound in this climate. In the
spring it puts forth its glossy. daSk
green leaves and sends its sucking
disks over the entire surface of the
brick or wooden wall; in the summer
1t has enveloped the house with its
cool, rustling foliage. and in the au-
tumn 1t Is resplendent in brilliant
bronzes and scarlets. The Boston ivy
will cling closely to the side OF the
house by means OF its suction disks,
and thus give that close-fitting effect
that no other vine does so we'll. Ever
since its introduction from Japan it
has led in popularity for city plant.
ing. All it asks IS about four square
feet of rich soil and protection from
injury. Plants may be bought from
nurseymen, and should be planted
in early spring. before the growth
starts.
Another woody vine that will do
we'll in the city is the Chinese wis
taria. with its pendulous spray of ex.
quisite blossoms. This handsome vine
is rarely seen in the city, though it
will thrive luXuriantly on any house
wall or backyard fence. II is a rapid
grower, attaining great height with
very little care. 1t is not particular
in regard to soil: in fact. it dislikes
too rich a place for its roots; and its
wealth of bloom comes at a time III
the beginning of summer, about May
Is, when most city folk must still
depend on florists shops for their
floral decorations. After the first
bloom has died away. there is often
, a second crop late in August. This
climber should be planted in the fall
or very early in the spring.
Rich with traditions and hoary
with age, the English ivy comes to
US from over the seas. No castle in
Europe but its crumbling walls can
boast of the dignifieG and evergreen
shelter of this ivy. Its shining leath-
cry leaves are three-lobed, small and
of wonderful deep green. The plant
climbs by means of little rootlets on
I the stems which adhere closely to any
surface. The old theory that vines
make for damp walls is now exploded
| for it is proved that these tenacious
| rootlets drink up any moisture there
may be in the bricks over which they
climb, and thus make for the opposite
| English ivy is its evergreen nature
conditions and live to great age, is
nevertheless not quite hardy in this
f. latitude. Few plants will survive our
winters without protection, but if they
are covered with litter end protected
against the more bitter winds they
( will come through very we'll. The
English ivy prefers the shaded side OF
the house on which to spread itself
Even though confined to the town
garden, there Is no need of foregoing
| the beauties of rose. Climbing OF
rambler roses can be grown in ani
backyard, and will be covered in June
with their burden of lovely flowers
They require we'll MANFRED soil and
sunshine. severe pruning in early
! spring, before the buds of the prevf
Gus years growth open, makes fol
more vigorous plants and more bloom
In the summer, after the Towering Is
over, some of the old wood should be
removed and the new growths may be
trained to grow as desired. Some OF
-O~~o~O~00~~-o0~~~-~~