Garden design solutions: 5 wonderful evergreen shrubs
When autumn is well and truly upon us we are surrounded by wonderful hues of golden yellow, orange and red. It is a magical time in our gardens, but as the leaves begin to fall our attention slowly begins to turn to the evergreen plants that will help to provide structure and interest during the coming winter.
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We firmly believe that it is unwise to have too many evergreen plants in a garden. Doing so risks missing out on the joys of seeing planting transform through the seasons, but a few carefully selected evergreen shrubs can definitely make a difference during the colder months.
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With many wonderful evergreen shrubs to choose from, here are five of our favourites:
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1. FATSIA japonica (Japanese aralia)
A large and exotic-looking shrub, Fatsia japonica is a ‘must have’ plant for many of the gardens I design. Happy in sun or shade, it is incredibly versatile and an excellent choice for the back or corner of a mixed planting border. With large, deeply cut mid-green leaves it provides wonderful textural contrast with a wide range of other shrubs.
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2. SARCOCOCCA ‘Winter Gem’ (sweet box)
With an abundance of deliciously fragrant white flowers in the depths of winter, Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’ is a really useful shrub. A pleasingly upright shape providing year-round texture and interest, it really comes to the fore in the colder months when it has its moment to shine. Happiest in full or partial shade.
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3. MAHONIA ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)
Another winter flowering beauty, Mahonia ‘Charity’ is a large evergreen shrub with long stems of holly-like mid-green leaves. Boasting generous clusters of bright yellow flowers from late autumn through to late winter, it never fails to provide welcome colour and cheer when so many other plants are dormant. Preferring full sun or partial shade, Mahonia is worthy of a place in any garden.
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4. VIBURNUM davidii (pictured)
A valuable member of the very large Viburnum family, this is a useful low-growing evergreen shrub. Its small white flowers appear in mid spring and are followed by the most unusual metallic dark blue berries on red stems. Tolerant of a degree of shade, V. davidii is a highly versatile ‘filler’ plant for a mixed planting scheme.
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5. TAXUS baccata (English Yew)
A truly majestic evergreen plant, most commonly grown as a hedge or topiary. With dark green needle-like leaves, it will slowly form a good-sized tree if left to its own devices, but it clips so well that it is a wonderful choice for a fine-looking hedge or focal point cone or
sphere. Be aware, however, that Taxus is highly toxic if consumed, it is imperative to avoid planting Taxus anywhere near livestock.
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Tythorne Garden Design provide professional fixed-fee garden design solutions for customers in Grantham, Stamford, Newark & surrounding areas. Book your initial garden design consultation today by calling 07900 224 239 or 01529 455 355.
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