Edgings for Beds and Paths

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23145, 17 September 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Edgings for Beds and Paths

Problem in Making a New Garden

QPHE choice of suitable edgings for beds, borders and sides of paths is not one of the simplest problems facing the maker of a new garden. Conditions vary; sometimes a neat but striking formal edging is the only appropriate finish to a series of beds of geometrical design. The same kind of neat order would mar the effect of an herbaceous border, where freedom and irregularity is the .rule throughout. In a great many flat rectangular gardens, straight paths are appropriate, if even unavoidable. There are, however, -ways of treating the edges of such : paths which will break up the too formal effect of the severe lines, and, in the writer's opinion, it is desirable to do this whenever the opportunity occurs. There are both permanent and temporary or seasonal edgings. The latter are used for such beds as spring bulbs or summer bedding plants, ■whereas the mixed border offers excellent opportunity for permanent edgings. These- may frequently afford accommodation for a comprehensive and interesting collection of alpines, where no elaborate rock garden is possible. For the purpose of permanent edgings it is helpful to have a number of pieces of rugged porous stone or scoria, which can be partially embedded in the soil to form setting for the alpine plants. It matters little whether the actual

edging of the border is straight or otherwise, the stones and plants can be arranged so as to present no harshness in effect. Where the pathway in front of the border is broad, a good many dwarf creeping plants may be allowed to encroach in places for a few inches or even a foot. Subjects which do admirably for this purpose are aubretias, thymes, alyssum, dianthus, armeria and various other plants with a dwarf habit of growth and a wido range of colour. For tho most part they are prolific in flower "production over a lengthy period, but a few foliage plants add charm and interest to the whole effect. For narrower pathways where such encroachment would be better subjects to use are the echeverias. The rosettes nestle close to the

ground, and, although after some years the offsets may tend to spread beyond their allotted space, it is a simple matter to remove the surplus. These may he dibbled in to fill any gaps caused by the collapse of the older rosettes. Among annuals good for edgings, the better and moro compact types of Alyssum maritimum are hard to beat. This little annual is perfectly hardy and seed may be sown in either autumn or spring in the positions the plants are to occupy. Where colour is preferred, the very bright blue Anagallis coerulea is an admirable subject. This is also dwarf and free-flowering provided it gets plenty of sun. In the shade the flowers will bo closed instead of flatly open. For gaiety, the simple, easily grown Virginian stock in a mixture of colours of all shades of pink, red, mauve and blue will maintain a wonderful mass of colour for months. Hero is a case where a thick sowing is no disadvantage, but it is useless to transplant seedlings of this plant.