Landscaping With Shrubs

When considering a new project, Landscapers have to consider the color of the flowers and foliage along with the type of soil and how much shade a particular spot gets. Also, if a tree is planted, how will that affect the area around it? Of course, no landscaping project would be complete without the use of shrubs. The selection of shrubs will be important. The landscaper will have to take into account the shape, size and color of the shrub into the overall landscape design.

If it is vivid color and large form, the Burning Bush is a good over all choice. They change color with the season so they are something new to look at through the year and with the stark contrast to other shrubs, they make a very showy center piece.

If you are looking for a contrast in winter, the China Holly is a good choice for this purpose. The shrub produces bright red berries and is an evergreen; these two colors will be a welcome break from white and gray. It also looks nice if you want to break up the fence line.

But adding color to your yard is not the only reason to have shrubs. For instance, you may put some along the side of your home to hide unsightly foundation. You can use them as the center of your design, with flowers and low ground cover all around. The non-poisonous Sumac is the most common type of the plant makes a stunning display, for example.

If you are looking for a very creative way to add some pizzazz to your landscaping, consider topiary. This is the art of pruning shrubs into shapes, or even animals. You can find beautiful examples of the Versailles gardens. It is important to note that, if you decide to undergo this, it takes a lot of time and patience to get the shrub to do what you desire and to keep it in check thru the growing seasons.

The height of the mature shrub is another thing to consider when you are shopping for your shrubs. Smooth Hydrangea only reaches a height of three to five feet for example. A taller example is the Chinese Juniper which will be five to eight feet. If you need something smaller than that, look into the Cranberry Cotoneaster or a Dwarf Honeysuckle. These very rarely reach heights over five feet.

If low up keep is high on your list, the Bougainvillea is going to be one to consider. It has wonderfully red leaves and is highly drought tolerant and pruning is minimal. Or, the Mentor Barberry is very hardy and stays beautiful thru the years with very little care.

For color that lasts, a Purple Sand Cherry may be a good choice as it has flowers in May and fall will bring cherry berries. To top it off, the foliage is purple and will stay around until winter.

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