LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 23 



oeen properly levelled or graded ; then they should be trodden 

 lightly and evenly along, to settle it moderately firm ; if for a 

 straight edging, stretch the line along the edge of the bed or 

 border; with the spade make up any inequalities of the surface 

 according to the line ; then, on the side of the line next the 

 walk, let a small, neat trench be cut, about six inches deep, 

 making the side next the line perfectly upright, turning the 

 earth out toward the walk or alley. 



For a curving margin, a strip of board, an inch wide and 

 twelve or fifteen feet long, with pegs attached by screws or 

 nails, at various distances along its length, so that it can be 

 made fast in the ground, to correspond with the design, may 

 be used instead of the line ; or some workmen are so expert, 

 that, having the design transferred to the ground, they will 

 proceed with accuracy without such a guide. At any rate, the 

 trench is to be dug out as directed for a straight line. 



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

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

 plants so near together as to form immediately a close, com- 

 pact edging, without being too thick and clumsy, and with the 

 top of the plants as evenly as possible, all an equal height, not 

 more than an inch or two above the surface of the ground ; 

 and, as you proceed in planting, draw the earth up to the out- 

 side of the plants, which fixes 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 inequal- 

 ities of the top be cut as even and neat 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, how- 

 ever, 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. 



