24 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



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 bor- 

 ders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed for box, 

 slipping the old plants into small slips ; setting the plants near 

 enough to touch one another, forming a tolerably close row. 



Thyme, hyssop, winter savory, and pinks are frequently 

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

 pass, and therefore not to be recommended. 



Many other plants are often used for edgings, but there is 

 nothing that makes so neat and trim an edging as box. 



It is a good time to clip old box edgings in June. They 

 should never be suffered to grow tall, but be kept down low. 



It is best to give some protection to box in the winter by 

 coarse litter, or by throwing up a few inches of the fine gravel 

 on one side and the earth of the border on the other. 



