The method that I use is:

• The plants are on bare roots in a moistured spagnum (not too wet), then I wrap some plastic around the roots, I put a name on its label and everything is held together with some tape (the plants look like a cigar)

• A lot of plants can be put together in a small box and as it only weighs very little, some pieces of paper can fill up the spaces.

• At the left handside of the box I write: "Botanical exchange no commercial value" or in French "Echantillons botanique, sans valeur commerciale" or in German "Botanische Austausch, kein kommercielle Wert"

• However, this is only possible for countries where I don’t need a certificate.

• I close the box with tape and send it as a letter; it costs a bit more, but it is quicker and safer.

• Time of the year: autumn or spring when there is no frost and the plants are more or less dormant. No sending around New Year; the postmen are too busy delivering New Year’s cards. Send the plants on Mondays or Tuesdays so they surely reach destination the same week.