70 FLOWER GARDENING 



Make a border that leads somewhere, a double 

 one whenever you can do so. In the case of a very 

 wide rectangular border that ends at a boundary 

 line, arrive at a similar result by running a path 

 nearly through it lengthwise. The peculiar ad- 

 vantages of the double border are the creation of 

 delightful vistas and the greater enjoyment of a 

 stroll where attention is not confined to one side. 



A narrow strip of turf between a border and a 

 path always has a refreshing look, but in the con- 

 sideration of this it must be remembered that the 

 care of it is no small item, looking through the 

 year. The strip is not easy to mow and there are 

 the edges to be cut, as well as the grass ends to be 

 trimmed from time to time. Altogether it will be 

 far less trouble to let the border come down to the 

 walk. Even when the walk is of dirt, gravel, 

 ground stone or ashes, it does not take much time 

 to keep the line comparatively straight. 



Borders are best managed when they are a mat- 

 ter of gradual growth. A good way is to begin at 

 the house and make only one, or a section of it if it 

 is to be very long, the first year. Add the other as 

 time goes by. Then when the borders have to be 

 made over, assuming that they are hardy, all the 

 work will not come in one year. Again, delay 

 allows time for the accumulation of experience in 

 border-making and the propagation of stock that, 

 perhaps, is beyond one's mean to buy in quantity. 

 Nothing is lost and a great deal is gained by going 

 slowly. 



