14:02:20 3rd February 2010
Gardeners looking to bring a splash of colour to their land that will last longer than a few years have been pointed in the direction of a shrub.
Writing for the Irish Times, Jane Powers remarks that shrubs have been forgotten about in recent years as a greater emphasis is placed on more "naturalistic planting", such as a focus towards grass.
However, she explains that a shrub planted in the correct way can bring presence to a garden and is a cheaper and less time-consuming investment than maintaining a tree.
Ms Powers said: "They are the great, under-appreciated heroes of the garden. A well-shrubbed garden is one that always has a structure.
"Herbaceous perennials come and go with the seasons, and after a few years disappear altogether or need rejuvenating. But a carefully placed and properly planted shrub will last decades."
Shrubs are available in a number of colours, including purple, pink, red, white and orange, and even grow under trees despite the shade problems that exist.
There are currently no comments for this article. Use the form below to be the first person to add comment.
