Reach for the star shrubs

Shrubs are the backbone of the garden and choosing wisely can pay extra dividends in creating lots of seasonal interest, says Tamsin Hope Thomson

- Tamsin Hope Thomson

SHRUBS should be given star status in any garden, as the structure in a garden or border is provided by shrubs. While flowering perennials and bulbs emerge in a burst of colour before fading back into the ground, shrubs remain a steady focal point throughout the year.

It’s this steadiness that gives shrubs a reputation for being a bit dull. Yet if you choose the right ones they’ll transform your garden, with evergreens also bringing autumn colour, glossy berries or summer flowers. Most shrubs are also low maintenance and need little more than an annual clip or prune to keep them in shape.

In autumn there’s a huge variety of shrubs that will give your border a lift. It’s also the ideal time to plant them, while the soil is still warm. If you have a small garden, it’s a good idea to look for a shrub that offers more than one season of interest. An evergreen is a great choice, because it will look good all year round. Look for shrubs like Nandina domestica, which has fiery autumn colour; Callicarpa, the beauty berry, which has vibrant berries; or Chinese plumbago, which brings late flowers to an autumn garden.

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