Texture, color, sunlight and shade are all elements of effective landscaping. These elements can be achieved by the choices and placement of shrubs, trees, vines, flowers and herbs. Comfy benches under leafy shade trees; stone stepping tiles strategically placed in luscious flower beds; and refreshing water features add even more interest to the landscape. The all-important shrub often serves as a landscaping centerpiece.
The Burning Bush is a well-known and admired centerpiece shrub that floods the landscape with a spectacular display of red during the fall months. The large round bush is at home in just about any landscape.
When the ground is covered with snow, the China Holly comes to the rescue of the barren landscape, with deep green foliage and bright red berries. The colorful bush is equally impressive against a white picket fence or light-colored house.
Choosing multi-season shrubs will ensure year-round color in your landscape. A Purple Sand Cherry offers bright flowers in May, red cherry berries in the fall and purple foliage until the winter months.
Shrubs Make Good Fences
Shrubs aren't just eye candy in the landscape. The versatility of shrubs makes them a practical choice. Shrubs make excellent hedges for showcasing a specific area or garden. Flowers and ground cover can be planted around the shrub to create texture and break up large lawns that require a lot of mowing. Shrubs make good fences and dividers, and can be used to camouflage the unsightly foundation of a house or other areas.
Bushes can truly be an art form when topiary skills are applied. Topiary is the art of clipping and forming bushes into animal or geometric shapes. Keeping shaped bushes in good form does require time, but the experience can be fun.
Most shrubs are not high-maintenance plants. They don't require constant watering and tending. With just a little pruning and moderate watering, most shrubs will provide years of enjoying for the homeowner.
Travelers and vacationers who spend time away from home especially appreciate high-color, but low-maintenance shrubs. Two stunningly beautiful, easy-care bushes are the classic Bougainvillea with bright red leaves, and the Mentor Barberry.
Plant Shrubs in the Right Place
Before you purchase shrubs, consider the area where they will be planted. Allow room for the shrub to spread out and grow up. Shrubs can range from just inches tall to several feet tall. If you have a spot where you need a taller shrub, consider the Smooth Hydrangea which grows three to five feet tall; or the Chinese Juniper which will top off at three to eight feet. If you need a shorter shrub, the Cranberry Cotoneaster or Dwarf Honeysuckle may be perfect because they usually grow to about three feet.
Landscaping options are unlimited and many plants besides shrubs can play a part in the big picture. For an example, vines against a wall or fence make an excellent backdrop for colorful flowers. Use your imagination and have fun with your landscaping.
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