LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 61 



a guide. At any rate, the trench is to be dug out as di- 

 rected for a straight line. 



The box is to be planted in the trench, close against the 

 straight side, against the line, or strip of board, placing 

 the plants so near together as to form immediately a close, 

 compact edging, without being too thick and clumsy, and 

 with the tops of the plants as even as possible, all at an 

 equal height, not more than an inch or two above the sur- 

 face of the ground ; and, as you proceed in planting, draw the 

 earth up to the outside of the plants, which will fix them 

 in their due position ; and when you have planted the row 

 out, then with your spade cast in the earth almost to the 

 top of the plants, and tread neatly and closely thereto. 

 When the edging is planted, let any inequalities of the top 

 be cut as evenly and neatly as possible, with a pair of 

 shears. 



Grass makes a very neat edging if kept in order, but it 

 requires so much attention to keep it in its place, so much 

 edging and cutting, that I would not recommend it. If, 

 however, it is made use of, it should be obtained from a 

 pasture or road-side, where it may be easily cut in strips 

 to suit, of three or more inches wide, according to fancy. 

 The sward should be fine and tough, so as not to break in 

 cutting and removing. The mode of laying will suggest 

 itself to almost any one: the surface of the grass should 

 be on a level with the earth, and but slightly raised above 

 the walk. 



Thrift, if neatly planted, makes handsome edgings to 

 borders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed 

 for box, slipping the old plants into small slips and setting 

 the plants near enough to touch one another to form a tol- 

 erably close row. 



Thyme, Hyssop, Winter-savory, and pinks are frequently 

 used for edgings, but they are too prone to grow out of 

 bounds, and therefore not to be recommended. 



