Start a shrub border

Ramp up the multi-seasonal interest with some choice plants to get in the ground now

Shrubs are the real backbone of a border. Yes, the flower power perennials and gorgeous grasses, bulbs and ground-cover gems are tempting and do, of course, form a large part of the border you eventually want, but they’re only a snapshot of high spring, summer and autumn, which are to be fi ed in around the ‘skeleton’ shrubs. For long-term shape and substance, decide on some choice shrubs to shine, in one way or another, for most of the year.

I’ve a fresh and empty small border to plant up, complete with two existing hibiscus, which gets a good bit of sun every day but isn’t in full glare. I’ve a lovely plum-coloured pi osporum and a couple of winter stem cornus to rehome here, which will sit nicely at the back, providing evergreen interest from the former, and bright winter stems and fresh summer foliage from the la er. Underneath these will be home to smaller winter and summer perennials and some lovely spring and summer bulbs. I intend to add a few more specimen shrubs further along this border for more interest.

To start, ensure you’ve dug your border, removed all weeds and incorporated a good helping of garden compost or well-ro ed manure. Level off the surface and lay out your plants where you think you’d like them, changing them around as you decide what fits where at what height. Remember to give a plant enough space to grow. Water plants well before you get them in the ground, with the top surface of the compost level with the ground’s surface.

Here are some suggestions of multi-seasonal shrubs for a border in sun and part shade, which are perfect to plant now.