LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 61 
a guide. At any rate, the trench is to be dug out as di- 
rected for a straight line. 
The box is to be planted in the trench, close against the 
straight side, against the line, or strip of board, placing 
the plants so near together as to form immediately a close, 
compact edging, without being too thick and clumsy, and 
with the tops of the plants as even as possible, all at an 
equal height, not more than an inch or two above the sur- 
face of the ground ; and, as you proceed in planting, draw the 
earth up to the outside of the plants, which will fix 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 inequalities of the top 
be cut as evenly and neatly 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, 
however, it is made use of, it should be obtained from a 
pasture or roud-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. 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 
borders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed 
for box, slipping the old plants into small slips and setting 
the plants near enough to touch one another to form a tol- 
erably close row. 
Thyme, Hyssop, Winter-savory, and pinks are frequently 
used for edgings, but they are too prone to grow out of 
bounds, and therefore not to be recommended. 
