LAY-OUT OF STATELY GARDENS 297 



of Flowers (except the rose). Of all flowers save 

 the Damask Rose they are the most pleasant to sight 



and smell." 



XVIII 



Edgings 



Edging is the material used for dividing beds 

 and borders from the paths, or grass leading up to 

 the bed, if the bed is alongside a wall, or terrace, or 

 veranda. 



Box is a formal, but charming, edging. "The 

 growth must be regularly clipped each year. Stretch 

 a line the whole length of the edging, so as to show 

 the correct height; then cut evenly and neatly both 

 at top and sides. When relaying, take up the plants, 

 pull them to pieces and use the strong young 

 growths, which must be clipped to one level. Box 

 is easily grown and stands pruning with impunity." 

 Such is the advice of an authority. Another prac- 

 tical gardener says: "Most amateurs clip box- 

 edgings early in the Spring. This causes an early 

 growth, which is just in the condition to be nipped 

 by a sharp, late frost. The safeguard is to delay 

 clipping until the end of August. Then comes free, 

 healthy growth, which renders box-lined garden 

 paths cheerful and pleasant to the eye through times 

 of heat and drought." 



