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Annual dressings of organic matter, once the shrubs are planted, maintain the humus essential to a healthy soil. One of the contradictions of gardening is that organic matter is the finest conditioner for both light and heavy soils. With the former it increases the water holding and nutrient capacity; with the latter it facilitates the aeration and drainage by opening up the tightly packed particles.

At this stage it is invaluable if some member of the family can be called in to assist as general factotum to move the stakes about as directed.

Remove the existing soil to a depth of 15 to 18 in., mix in the compost and if the soil is heavy a dressing of coarse sand. Where the border is rough dug then left to weather the sand is unnecessary.

I look back with pleasure on long winter evenings spent completely oblivious to the passing of time, planning shrub border after shrub border. After careful observations, many visits to new gardens, and discussions with beginners to gardening, I am convinced that one of the commonest mistakes and the most expensive is to overplant.

There is no check to the most delicate genera, for with moderate care the root system is undisturbed and the shrub is unaware of the move. Above all exact colour of foliage or flower can be studied before buying so that attractive blends and contrasts may be achieved with the attendant pleasure of seeing the pattern grow as the work proceeds.

Planting is almost .a ritual with me; shrubs are expensive so every care is taken to ensure success. Into the wheelbarrow go spade, fork, string, a sharp knife or secateurs, and a tin of sealing compound for treating large cuts or damaged bark. I return immediately for a barrowload of riddled soil mixed with bonemeal for working around the fine roots.