Practical Flower Gardening

A trained horticulturist’s working handbook: what to plant, how to prepare the ground, and how to keep a flower garden going through the year without pretending it is effortless.

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Lawns and Garden Paths (Lines are straight as they do)

the lines are straight as they do not lend themselves to curves. The bricks used should be hard burned; a glazed surface resists the action of water but has the disadvantage of making a slippery path. Before laying the bricks, drainage material 6 inches in depth consisting of cinders or gravel should be laid and firmly tamped.

Over this, place a layer of sand 1 inch thick into which the bricks may be inserted laying them flat on their sides. There are various patterns for brick walks and the question of design is purely a matter of individual taste. The herringbone or diagonal design is one of the most pleasing patterns and is used more generally than the square.

The walk should not be perfectly level and it should either be sloped 1 inch in every 8 or 10 feet or be slightly crowned in the middle so the water will not settle. A crown of 1 inch for a walk 4 or 5 feet wide is sufficient. To prevent the growth of weeds sprinkle brick walks with salt or brine, later removing it with the hose, if the latter is used. Sand is used also for this purpose but is not always efficacious. If the bricks are edged with concrete no weeds will appear.

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