LAWNS AND GRASS PLOTS 



21 



Some flower gardens are so situated that it becomes necessary to run a lattice- 

 work fence around them. A dainty, ornamental fence like the above, if painted 

 white, is very suitable. See also chapter on garden furniture, pages 123 to 129 



has grown long, the clippings should be raked and will be a good 

 mulch for use about perennials in the borders. 



ROLLING. Not only on the newly seeded areas is the roller useful, 

 but all the lawns should be thoroughly rolled in the Spring. The Win- 

 ter frosts cause more or less heaving of the soil, exposing the roots to 

 drying as well as leaving an irregular surface. The best rollers for the 

 purpose are the water ballast rollers; they are made of hollow iron and 

 can be readily filled with water, thus increasing or diminishing the 

 weight for the various soils and their changing conditions. 



WEEDING. Many of the objectionable weeds on new lawns are 

 annuals, and they may be entirely eradicated in one year if they are 

 prevented from seeding. Many other weeds, such as Docks, Dande- 

 lions and Canadian Thistles, are perennials, and are provided with 

 underground fleshy roots which must be dug deeply. Gutting them 

 just below the surface aggravates the situation, for generally three or 

 four shoots start in place of one. 



TURFING. It often becomes necessary to establish a lawn under 

 very adverse conditions, in which case it is best to use sod or turf 

 which can be removed from a pasture or vacant lot. With a spade the 

 turf can easily be cut into twelve-inch squares and moved. Especially 

 is this advantageous for bordering newly established paths and roads, 

 i or where narrow strips are wanted between beds of flowers. The soil 

 should be as carefully prepared and put in as good physical condition 

 as for new lawns. In edging walks, the cut sod should be a little lower 

 than the adjacent sown area, which in time will settle. The sod 

 should be thoroughly firmed and watered so that the grass roots are 

 encouraged to immediately start growth into the soil below. 



