When creating a landscape scheme for your property, there are three factors that you should pay attention to – practicality, aesthetics and the environment. Proper landscaping can limit foot traffic and it is a great way to foster privacy. Having this in mind, planting shrubs and bushes is a an effective and affordable way to add some greenery to your outdoor space, however, it is important to do it right.
Shrubs are woody plants that are smaller than trees and can grow 6 meters in height. They can be classified as seasonal or deciduous, and evergreen or coniferous. Some of them yield flowers, others fruits, but no matter the kind – shrubs require little maintenance. Many people think bushes and shrubs are the same thing, and that’s not too far from the truth. The main difference between shrubs and bushes, however, is that the second ones are lower and have leaves that are usually touching the ground. Yet, both of them serve the same purpose. Let’s take a look at some of the ways they can beautify your garden.
Create the understory – If you have a bit knowledge of landscaping, you probably know the importance of having a variety of heights. Planting garden bushes and shrubs provides an intermediate height between the shorter plants and the taller trees. These plants are available in a range of different sizes, from narrow and tall to short and wide. Make sure to buy them when they have reached their mature size, but leave enough room for them to grow more.
Seasonal intrigue – When you see the welcoming blooms of Lilacs and Forsythias you know spring is right around the corner. Just as these plants are a signal that warm weather is on its way, there are other shrubs that provide colourful and fragrant blooms during spring and summer. Some garden bushes and shrubs produce berries even in the colder seasons, and they are a great choice if you want to have colour in your garden year ’round.
Food and shelter – Where there are trees, there are birds too. Planting shrubs and bushes is a great way to attract birds to your garden as many shrubs have berries that attract birds. Some of them bloom flowers that are nectar-rich which makes them very appealing for butterflies and hummingbirds as well. Once they come to your garden, they will find shelter in the shrubs you have planted.
Design interest – Another purpose of these plants is to improve the overall appearance of your garden. For example, dogwoods have colourful stems of purple, red and yellow, which means that planting a few of them is a great way to add colour. Forestiera neomexicana has an interesting branching structure, while fallugia paradoxa is one of the best native shrubs due to its extreme weather tolerance and pretty white flowers.
