om time to time shift for themselves, and
by the position they occupy must have large numbers of their roots in
dusty, dry soil. In former days it was always the custom to plant this
fine climber at the base of the dwelling-house wall, but now, with a
fuller knowledge of its robust growth, its widely-extending branches,
and equally its wide-rooting capacity, other positions may with
advantage be secured for it. One example may be seen at Kew, where a
fine plant covers a huge cage-like structure. Another good way would be
to plant it to run over pergolas, and with Clematis to succeed the
Wistaria, the effect would be distinctly good. _W. sinensis_, the
mauve-flowered species, is the one usually planted. The variety _alba_
is less robust, and does not flower so freely; it wants a warm place.
The double variety is very beautiful when in perfection, but our
experience is that it never flowers freely, and the raceme is often
poor. _W. multijuga_ has very long racemes, and is the Wistaria which
gives so much beauty to the gardens in Japan. It is always a pleasure in
Wistaria time to visit the Royal Gardens, Kew, and see the exquisitely
coloured trails of flowers on this species; these trails measure between
2 and 3 feet in length. Rosea is a rose-coloured variety.

[Illustration: _WISTARIA RACEME, SHORT, W. SINENSIS; LONG, W.
MULTIJUGA._]

FOOTNOTES:

[2] This also includes plants suitable for walls.

CHAPTER XXXVI

FLOWERING AND OTHER HEDGES

Of the more or less known 3000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs
hardy in this country, only a small proportion are suitable for making
good hedges. Every garden of any size has a hedge or two of untidy look
through inattention at the proper time. A hedge must be kept in proper
order, not a difficult business when clipping is done annually, when to
do so depending upon the plants used.

Hedges may be of two kinds--the neat trimmed hedge, which serves as an
outside line to a garden, and also as a screen or wind-break to small or
tender plants growing near it; and the straggling rough hedge, varying
from 10 to 20 feet in width, more properly a wide bank made up of all
sorts of plants, rambling Roses, ornamental Vines, and other things
which usually serve to brighten some spot where colour is desirable, or
to shut out an undesirable view. The best plants comprise both
evergreens and deciduous, but only one thing should be used, as mixed
hedges are rarely a success,