CLIMBING PLANTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1938, Page 5

CLIMBING PLANTS

NEED SPECIAL TREATMENT. Climbing plants and creepers set against a wall need special treatment, because the soil and other conditions differ from those in the open garden. In the first place it must be realised that very little rain falls close up to the wall because of the gutters and overhanging eaves. Again, it is a common practice of builders to fill in the border near the house with broken bricks, old mortar, excavated sub-soil, and other rubble, which is unsuitable for healthy plant growth. Consequently it is advisable to dig out the poor material and replace it with good top-spit soil. Where no more than one plant is being put in it is necessary only to dig a hole 3ft wide and 2 ft deep; but when a number are being planted to cover the whole area of the wall it is best to treat all of the border in this fashion. Those who are fortunate enough to have fairly good soil near the wall need only double dig the ground and enrich it with a little manure.

Most climbing plants are supplied in pots—and they are often pot-bound. Sometimes the roots penetrate the drainage hole and they are often damaged when the plants are removed from the pots. In such cases it is advisable to smash the pot. The roots must be teased out with a pointed stick and soaked in water before planting is carried out.