A shrub may be defined as a perennial woody plant, branching naturally from its base without a defined leader, which is a single main shoot.

Shrubs may be deciduous or evergreen and range from plants no more than an inch or two high, such as some heaths and creeping willows, to huge rhododendrons. Some woody shrub plants may grow either as large shrubs or trees according to circumstances.

When the lower part of the shrub is woody and the upper shoots are soft, it is referred to as a sub-shrub.

There can be no other form of gardening that has enjoyed a more rapid growth in popularity over the past few years than shrubs.

The majority of shrubs are easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions - apart from the calcifuges, or lime-haters, such as rhododendrons, camellias and other similar groups of shrubs.

Most shrubs are relatively undemanding as far as maintenance operations are concerned.

The British climate makes it possible to grow shrubs from almost every country in the world.

Shrubs were always planted in 'shrubberies' in the past. Modern planting fashions seem to favour individual planting as gardens get smaller - at points of interest - shearing the boarder with herbaceous perennials and other garden plants.

Just because shrubs are so easy to grow, it is a mistake to imagine that you can just stick them into a hole in the ground and then leave them to their own devices. Careful planting is one of the most important operations contributing to their successful cultivation. The shrubs will need pruning, to keep them in tip top condition, from time to time.

The flower beds should be dug thoroughly and the surface broken down to a reasonably good tilt, adding some well rotted compost and fertiliser.

The holes should be dug larger than the shrub roots and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bunching or overcrowding and it is a good idea to leave a slight mound at the base of the hole on which the plant can rest while the roots are spread out and soil is worked among them.

Pot grown shrubs can be planted at any time of the year so long as the soil is not frozen.

When planning your shrub garden allow enough room between the plants, to allow for development.