Garden shrubs
Trees and shrubs are usually planted for a long time according to a planting plan. They are considered to be foundation plants, adding volume and framing the outdoor space. Apart from beingdecorative features, garden shrubs protect the outdoor space from wind, create shade and function as a zoning element as well. Shrubs can be planted in clusters or individually on the lawn, in front of the house or in small gardens. They can become a background for mixborders and flowerbeds with annual and bulbous plants. Ground-hugging shrubs can turn sloppy gardens into an advantage. Stephanandra, willow and cotoneaster are great options. Shrubs planting time (spring, autumn or summer) should be taken into account when planting, as well as agronomic standards, different plants compatibility, the amount of light and shade in the garden. Place for perennialshrubs should provide for enough space for plants roots, (diameter and depth) and consider plants survival abilities (fertile soil, Ph level, minerals). Shrubs can have open and closed root system, the latter being more preferable: replanting is more stress free and shrubs get acclimatized easier. Replanting garden shrubs with open root system can lead to loosing some part of roots. When planting garden shrubs their height and width as mature specimens, as well as compatibility with surrounding plants should be taken into account.
Cotoneaster, euonymus, photinia- hedge shrubs
Hedge shrubsperform both functional and decorative function in outdoor spaces. Hedge can replace any kind of fence and protect the property from wind, noise and unwelcome entrance to the garden. Shrubsare being planted according to a certain plan, creating a wall shrub. You can plant loose informal plantings or topiary.
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Hedge shrubs require certain maintenance: watering, soil loosening and fertilization in due time. Trimming back the growing tips promotes more and more side shoots. Boxwood, euonymus, cotoneaster, ribes, privet, spiraea and photinia are great options. Topiary helps to create compact and dense hedges. If you have informal loose hedges, trimming once in a while is also required.
Shrubs for shade
Shrubs for shade require low maintenance and feel good without being exposed to the sun. Many euonymus varieties can be planted in under-exposed garden sites. They can be planted either individually or in clusters, creating a hedge. In autumn, euonymus leaves transform from green to bright red.
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Cotoneaster is also a perfect candidate for under-exposed sites. It becomes a highly decorative element when changing its colors: shiny smooth dark-green leaves turn red in autumn. Warm-loving photinia is another shrub for partly shaded garden sites, attracting attention by its orangy-purple leaves.
Ferns
Ferns, hostas and bergeniascan easily withstand shade and can be planted under trees crowns. These plants are hardy and undemanding, perfect options for under-exposed garden sites. Ferns have interesting textured foliage, which turns gold or bronze in autumn.
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They look great with stone and other shade withstanding perennials (Astilba, Alum Root, Aconitum). Consider both large fern species (Myliobatis, ostrich-fern, buckler fern, shuttlecock fern), which look great planted in clusters near the water or under trees crowns, and smaller ones (bird’s-nest fern). Spleenwortand buckler-fern deserve to be planted individuallyon the foreground, catching the eye. These types of ferns will look great if planted in under-exposed flower garden.
