Shrubs for the middle of a border
Shrubs planted in the middle of a mixed border or shrubbery will be surrounded on all sides, so they shouldn’t be too fussy about nearby competition. They need to be tall enough to be visible behind the smaller plants at the front of the border, yet not so tall that they hide the larger ones at the back. Mid layer plants will be at eye level, making it all the more important they pack interesting foliage, colourful blooms and other ornamental features such as winter berries or vibrant bark. We recommend growing a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Evergreens will retain their leaves all year round, providing a permanent framework for your garden, while deciduous shrubs will produce a beautiful autumnal display when they shed their leaves in the autumn. Planting borders in layers (taller plants at the back, stepping down to smaller ones at the front) and mixing evergreen and deciduous varieties in this way gives a three-dimensional effect for maximum visual impact and helps ensure your garden looks beautiful through the seasons.