304 THE PLEASURE, OR [March. 



edging, along the edge of the bed or border, let that part be trodden 

 lightly and evenly along to settle it moderately firm, and with the 

 spade make it up full and even according to the line; then on the 

 side of the line next the walk, let a small neat trench be cut out 

 about six inches deep, making the side next the line perfectly up- 

 right, turning the earth out towards the walk or alley. 



The box is to be planted in this trench close against the upright 

 side next the line, placing the plants so near together as to form 

 immediately a close compact edging, without being too thick and 

 clumsy, and with the top of the plants as even 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 

 outside 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 it neatly and closely 

 thereto: when the edging is planted, let any inequalities of the top 

 be cut as even and neat as possible with a pair of shears. 



Where there are any gaps in the former planted edgings, let 

 them now be made good; for when ragged and uneven they have a 

 disagreeable appearance. 



Or where any old edgings of several years standing have been per- 

 mitted to run up rude and spreading, nothing in a garden looks 

 more unsightly; and should be taken up, slipped, trimmed, and 

 replanted in a neat regular order. 



For an account of the various plants generally used for edgings 

 and the methods of planting them, see the Flower Garden next 

 month. They may all be planted towards the latter end of this, if 

 the weather proves favourable. 



Plant Hedges. 



Finish planting all the kinds of deciduous hedges as early in the 

 month as the weather permits, and if the season proves very favour- 

 able, you may in the last week thereof, plant evergreen hedges. 

 For the methods of doing which, see the Nursery for this month. 



China arbor-vitae forms a very ornamental hedge for a flower 

 garden. 



Clean the Pleasure Garden. 



Every part of this garden should be now well cleaned and put into 

 the best order. Give the flower borders, beds, &c. a general spring 

 dressing, by digging, hoeing, and raking: let the edgings of box, &c. 

 be regulated where disorderly, and the gravel-walks be well cleared 

 from weeds and litter, and occasionally rolled. 



Keep the grass lawns, walks, &c. now well cleared from litter and 

 worm-cast earth, which appears unsightly, and spoils the compact 

 evenness of the sward: ::ive them, therefore, occasional rollings with 

 a heavy roller, whereby to preserve a clean, even, firm surface, 

 neat to appearance, and that can be mowed close and regular with 

 greater facility. 



