HARDY CLIMBING PLANTS 83 



Alyssum. A. saxatile, the yellow flower of spring so frequently 

 seen in rock-gardens and in the borders, is very useful as an edging of the 

 rougher kind. 



Daisies. The double crimson in particular, but the Daisy enjoys 

 a cool soil and is not always satisfactory as a permanent edging. 



Gentianella. This must be planted in a prepared moist soil, loam 

 for preference. It is not happy everywhere, but where it succeeds forms 

 a perfect mat of growth. When it becomes flowerless, replant it. Mr. 

 Wilson has yards of edging of it in his beautiful wood garden at Wisley. 

 Gentiana acaulis is its botanical name. It may also be planted between 

 the soft stone where this is used. 



Saxifrages. The London Pride (Saxifraga umbrosum) is a well- 

 known plant for edging ; its slender stems of pinky flowers are very 

 pretty and "misty." Where stone forms the foundation of the edging, 

 make free use of Stonecrops, not forgetting the common Sedum acre, 

 and its yellow variety aureum ; the shoots are tipped with yellow in 

 early spring days. 



We do not object to a good stone edge of rather hard stone 

 set on edge ; it is neat and warmer in look than tiles, espe- 

 cially of some patent make. Grass edgings look well, but are 

 a source of endless labour to keep neat, and an unkempt grass 

 edge is an eyesore. Frequent mowing and clipping at the 

 side are essential to keep this form of margin respectable. 

 Ivy of a good green-leaved form, say Emerald Green, or the 

 Irish Ivy, are useful where a rather tall edging is desired. It is 

 useful to form an edging to a shrub group or large run of walks. 

 It must not be overdone, otherwise the garden will appear 

 dull and heavy. Box, of course, is one of the good shrubby 

 things found in many old English gardens. But it must be 

 cared for by frequent clipping, and spring is the time to 

 repair deficiencies. There is one objection to Box as an 

 edging, and that is, it harbours slugs and other pests. 



