Shrubs in small gardens are always a problem. If too
many different kinds are included the result is invariably unsatis- factory. One of the most effective treatments of a short drive I know—the drive in question is only about fifty yards long— has been made on rather poor sandy soil. Both sides are planted with gorse (the richly scented double-flowered variety) interspersed with various brooms and a few bushes of rose- mary. The rough grass bordering the drive is on a slight slope and is planted with crocuses, squills, etc. Between the grass bank and the shrubs (but well away from the latter) is a long line of the invaluable polyantha roses. Even in the shortest and darkest days of the year there are flowers on the gorse and the rosemary, and both when in full bloom remain so for a long time. The brooms are a joy in spring, and as the ground between is planted with foxgloves this adds to the colouring. The initial cost was small, and the labour of upkeep is almost negligible, and yet the effect is excellent.
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