Amongst climbing plants that are useful for covering walls and fences and at the same time capable of withstanding a town atmosphere, a few only are suitable. Where wall plants are to be used, special preparation of the soil should take place, that usually found at the base of buildings being poor in the extreme and ill suited for giving nourishment to a plant that above ground has to contend with the drawbacks of an impure town atmosphere. For such climbing and wall shrubs as have been found suitable a light, rich earth is necessary and the quantity used should be considerable.

Where these shrubs are to be planted, a good patch of ground - say, at least 3 ft. square - should be dug out, the sides and bottom well loosened up, and fresh soil substituted for that which has been removed. Into this compost the creeper should be planted, and the shoots, even in the case of the Ivy or Ampelopsis, nailed to the wall, treatment which will go a long way in the new growths taking a speedy hold of the building they are intended to cover. Amongst wall plants Ampelopsis Veitchii is one of the best, for in many of the most heated and foul of London districts it grows with the greatest freedom and soon covers the wall or house-side on which it is planted. The delicate green and beautifully cut foliage, which changes to a bright crimson in Autumn, renders this shrub one of the most desirable of wall plants. It is not at all particular as to soil, but sandy vegetable refuse and a good root-run are distinct advantages in its cultivation.

Wall Plants For A Town Garden Ivy, Hop, Clematis, and Actinidia. To face page 120.

The Common Ivy (Hedera Helix)

The Common Ivy (Hedera Helix) is another excellent wall plant for the London garden, and it is equally useful for covering bare ground where grass refuses to grow. There are several forms of the Ivy, but those most suitable for planting in smoky towns are Raegneriana, Coenwoodiana, Emerald Gem, and the Irish variety (Canariensis) with big handsome leaves. Though by no means particular as to the quality of soil in which it is planted, often thriving well amongst builders' refuse of stones and lime, yet it will well repay the breaking up and enriching of the soil where it is to grow.

The Vine (Vitis vinifera)

The Vine (Vitis vinifera) can quite hold its own with either of the former as a town shrub, and in several of the most smoke-infested parts of London it thrives well as a wall plant. The variety purpurea is also a desirable subject for the walls of a house, and would appear to be specially suitable for planting in smoky districts. It requires to be nailed to the wall and is improved by periodical prunings. Good rough loam and thoroughly decomposed manure will be found suitable for either.