Growing trees and shrubs in shade can be a challenge if you choose plants that prefer sunny conditions. If you choose plants that are adapted to shady conditions, shade gardening is quite enjoyable and barely any work at all. There are many shrubs and trees that prefer shade. They are understory plants that like the…
A hedge is a continuous and close planting of shrubs, and occasionally trees, along a boundary to protect and enclose a garden or property. A hedge can also be a division line within the garden to set one portion apart from another. The term hedge does not necessarily imply a rigidly pruned and restrained growth,…
Foundation plantings are well-chosen plants that frame a building and tie it to the site and make it appear an intrinsic part of its environment. Foundation plantings are almost always shrubs that remain in the landscape for years. Most often, shrubs that are evergreen are chosen for foundation plantings. Shrubs that do not lose their…
Shrubs that can tolerate clay soil are one solution to growing plants in heavy, less than perfect soil. Clay soils commonly have plenty of nutrients but problems from poor aeration and slow drainage. Clays soil particles are flat and dense, not ideal for plant growth. Such soils are described as heavy. Limited aeration and slow…
Most shrubs have a naturally lovely shape; they can be ruined by over-pruning. As a general rule: shrubs look best if left natural looking. Prune shrubs to enhance their natural shape and to encourage healthy growth. Correctly pruned, a shrub will look as if it had not been pruned at all. Shrubs like trees are…
Groundcover plants are used to cover the ground and to conceal all signs of soil beneath. Groundcovers can be used to smother weeds, act as a living mulch to conserve soil moisture and to hold in place, and stem soil erosion. Low-growing shrubs can be used as groundcovers. Most are deep-rooted and longer lived than…
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