Gardening with Climbers

Vines and other climbing plants are sadly underutilized in domestic gardens, attest Grey-Wilson, former botanist at England's Kew Gardens, and horticultural writer Matthews. Extolling the infinite variety of color, foliage, form and even scent of climbers, the authors illuminate the extra dimension climbers can add to landscapes. Used singly or in combination with other plants, climbers can grace an arbor, trellis or gazebo or cover unsightly walls, buildings and fences. Untamed climbers serve as prolific ground covers. Climbers are grouped variously, including such chapters as ""Temperate Deciduous Climbers,"" ""Temperate Evergreen Climbers"" and ""Annual and Herbaceous Climbers."" Perennial favorites (roses, honeysuckles and clematis) merit their own chapters. Detailed information accompanies each of the hundreds of suggested plants, enabling gardeners to make educated choices in regard to soil, water and light requirements, disease resistance and pruning needs. Of special interest is the inclusion of the country of origin for each plant. American gardeners must know their own climates and follow the writers' suggestions to survey their own regions for adaptable species, while noting that the hardiness chart extends only to -5 F. The photos are lush and helpful. (July)