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As the herbaceous border dries out cut down the old stems, rake out the debris and loossen the soil between the plants with a fork and dig in last year‘s mulch. Consider the spacing of the plants, reduce any overcrowding by removing whole or part of plants to provide six to eight inchâ€" es between vigorous plants and four to sixâ€"inches between the others. The same treatment may be given to the shrub and tree borders. Late flowering shrubs like hibiscus, hydrangea, kerria, potentilla, sorbaria, tamarisk and budlei may be pruned back making cuts an interâ€" section of two branches. Other pruning to revitalize the plants includes removing several of the older stems at ground level. Where overcrowding is noticed the size of the shrubs may be reduced by digging Consider next the shaded areas conâ€" taining ivy, Japanese splurge (pachysanâ€" dra) or vinca. If it has been mulched clear it from the top of the plants. If the plants are matted lift them with a rake. Trim about a third off the tops to help them bush out. The long tips of vinca and ivy lying on the ground may be cut back indiâ€" vidually. The cuttings may be rooted directly in the garden if extra plants are needed. Fertilize the bed using a liquid fertilizer, following the directions on the package. When the ground warms up add a layer of mulch around the plants. Peat moss, compost or composted manure are some that may be used. As soon as the lawn dries out consider renting an aerator to remove plugs from the lawn and allow water and air easy access to the grass roots. If delivery peoâ€" ple have made visible walkways in the lawn these should be aerated to keep the grass healthy. Top dressing and over seeding are useâ€" ful if the lawn is thin or patchy. Grass grows best in the cool weather so the earâ€" lier it is looked after the better. Melting snow is also the signal calling the gardener to check the lawn for snow mould.. This greyishâ€"white fungal growth will kill areas of grass. The prevention and care is to rake over any matted grass as early as possible to lift the grass tops and remove dead material and open the ground to the sun and wind. This will dry up the fungus before it harms the grass plants. A sure sign of spring is the honking of the Canada geese overhead as they search out the open grass areas in the melting snow. Soon most of the areas have their compliment of geese eating the grass. Melting snow a sure sign of gardening S s S S e S e e e e S Ee Oe e Oe e Ee en 0e o o o o o o 0 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o 0 0 o 0 o 0o o o o o o o o Standard size screens and covers may made and used on individual beds as needed to keep the birds from eating the seeds or fruit and controlling insects. Covers will allow early planting under plastic for quick crops, summer warmth The vegetable garden should be dug over as soon as it dries out. Consider making 4‘x8‘ raised beds for vegetable growing. These can be hilled up or enclosed with 2"x8" boards. This will allow the soil in this growing area to be improved without spending money on the walkways. Pieces of perennials and rooted parts of shrubs and trees may be donated to the Oakville Horticultural Society. If you would like some help in digging up or removing pieces of plants to donate, phone Louise Hawkins at 847â€"0831. The Society will send an experienced gardener to advise and assist. The plants will be potted up and sold at the spring sale at Knox Presbyterian Church, Lakeshore Road, on May 22nd, at 9:30 a.m. The funds are used for educational and garden projects in Oakville. up sucker growth around the main clump Pa ip: ’ «fls s SIMKINS The three Oakville Master Gardeners‘ are: Dave Marshall, 827â€"2564; Sharon Paradis, 827â€"8092; John Simkins, 845â€" 8380. There is also an answering machine on 845â€"8380. The 1993 Home and Garden Show is at the Automotive Building and Coliseum, Exhibition Place April 9th to 18th. The Dream Home ‘93 is a main feaâ€" ture. The Garden area has a dozen lavishâ€" There are several gardening help lines available in this area. The Royal Botanical Gardens, 1â€"800â€"668â€"9449, will answer gardening questions on request. Their gardening line operates starting May 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. until September 24th. This will supply immediate answers. The Civic Garden Centre‘s Gardening Line is (416) 397â€"1345 from noon to 3:00 p.m. The Federal Government‘s Pesticide line is 1â€"800â€"267â€"6315 for any informaâ€" tion on the safe environmental use of pesâ€" ticides and fungicides. Make early plantings of lettuce, brocâ€" coli, broad beans, onions, peas, parsley, potatoes and radishes. A floating row cover is handy to keep birds from the seed and provide some warmth. It is so light that growing seedlings will lift it without harm. Sweet peas may be sown outdoors in April. f for heat loving plants and fall protection for late crops. Add a layer of peat moss or composted manure before digging or rototilling to condition the soil.