To align, to line out in Gardening, to mark- out lines on the ground using a garden line and poles called ranging- poles, in order to form allées, parterres, bosquets, quincunxes, and other features.

Three or four people are needed to carry, change, and move the ranging-poles according to the instructions of the plotter. Stand three or four feet above a ranging-pole and, lowering yourself to its height and closing one eye, take aim at the other ranging-poles so that they lie over each other along the line created by the tops of the first ranging- pole and those placed at the centre and at the opposite end. Do not talk whilst working, especially over long distances where your voice will be easily lost. Use certain agreed signs in order to make yourself understood from a distance: for example, if a ranging-pole tips over to the left when it is being aligned, move your hand to the right in order to show that the ranging-pole should be straightened up towards the right; repeat this sign when moving the ranging-pole forwards or backwards in order to bring it into line. You should always place a ranging-pole at each end of the alignment, which may even be left long enough to facilitate tree planting. See Ranging-pole.

A rainy or a windy day makes it difficult to line out well: linen or paper make the ranging-poles more visible and a hat is often placed on them in order to make them more clearly distinguishable. [1]

Notes

1. This is a delightful article, with its attention to detail, its human dimension, and its emphasis on the importance of teamwork.