THE MANUAL OP GARDENING. 
15 
the work is to be done on a large scale, as in the construction of 
new gardens, laying out roads through pleasure grounds, &c., 
the proprietor will usually find it his interest to submit the direc- 
tion to a practical gardener ; or, if he choose to superintend the 
work, from partiality for such occupations, will avail himself of 
the aid of those competent to advise. 
Buxus sempervirens, the common dwarf Box, is the variety 
used for edging walks, and is certainly better adapted to that 
purpose than any other plant. When the gravel walk is made, 
the mould must be carefully dug away close to the gravel — leave 
no mould between the Box and the gravel ; a trench must then 
be made nearly a foot deep, the roots of the B >x must be parted, 
and the redundant part cut off; the Box is now^to be placed 
evenly against the gravel — a line must be used ; a thin edging 
only is requisite, as Box increases very fast. The mould must 
now be trodden down close to the Box, and the top clipped all to 
one height. If the weather be dry, it must be carefully watered. 
The edging should stand about four inches high ; the earth in 
the border or beds must be kept back from smothering it during 
the first year. The best time to plant Box is April, or mid-sum- 
mer, choosing showery weather — if not sufficient moisture from 
the clouds, water freely. It may be clipped early in the spring, 
and be replanted when it has become overgrown, or an increased 
supply is required for edging. 
Thrift, if neatly planted, makes pretty edgings to borders or 
flower beds, both as an evergreen and flowering plant, particu- 
larly the scarlet, which makes a beautiful appearance in summer. 
It should be planted in the early spring months, and kept wa- 
tered. It increases very fast, is cheaper than Box, and very 
hardy. 
The edgings of Thrift should be trimmed a little in July or 
August, when it is out of flower, cutting off all the flower heads ; 
where the sides have grown uneven, let them be cut into order, 
either with the shears, or, if too much overgrown, with a short 
edging-iron. 
Where utility is the principal consideration, the edgings may 
be of strawberry vines, carefully restrained, and renewed every 
two or three years, thus yielding fruit large and of fine quality; 
also of thyme, sweet herbs, &c. 
ON PLANTING. — When the garden is laid out according to 
the taste of its proprietor, the next thing to be attended to is the 
planting. In doing this, either in beds or borders, it is necessary 
carefully to attend to the height and colour of each particular 
plant, as much of their beauty will be lost, except care is taken 
to heighten their effect by contrast. The smaller plants should 
be disposed in clusters near the edge of the bed or border, and 
