Pyramids of Bloom

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Pyramids of Bloom

Temporary Climbers planning the garden display for next summer, it is well not to overlook the possibilities of hardy nnd half-hardy annual climbers. These will be of the greatest service to owners of new gardens, which have not been thoroughly prepared and cleared of weeds, in readiness for permanent occupants. This, however, is by no means only sphere of usefulness. There aro few gardens no matter how long they have been established that could not be improved by the introduction of a fow climbers for the summer months only. For one thing, many of these climbers are wonderfully free in flowering, and another point in their favour is that they do not usually make busby growth near ground level. They do not form extensive root systems; consequently they may be grown over arches or on poles in borders, which already appear to be well filled. A favourite method of dealing with these climbers in the open is to erect three tall stakes in . the form of a tripod over which the climbers are trained. The result is a blaze of bloom which stands up above the other occupants of the border for many weeks. One especial favourite climber is Mina lobata. The flowers are first vivid red in the bud. changing to orange and cream as they open. It is perhaps at its best in the autumn when the flowers tone well with coloured foliage for decoration. For a partially shaded situation that is moist the Canary creeper, Tropaeolum canariense is an elegant climber carrying, for the greater part of the summer, an abundance of small yellow flowers. Seed may bo sown in the open ground as soon as danger from frost is past. For a warm position Ipomea Quamoclit cardinalis; the Cardinal creeper, will make a brilliant show. Given the right position, it is a rapid grower and can be trusted to give a display of the most brilliant flowers. The morning glories, Convolvulus major, can be obtained in a variety of colours and will cover up any unsightly object very quickly, and their hardiness in any variety of soil is unquestioned.