How to Create a Shrub Garden & Fence

Make a plot plan of the potential planting sites within the yard. Measure the available areas with a tape measure, then use this information to make a rough sketch of the property on a sheet of paper. Be sure to include any buildings, walkways, existing trees and planting beds. Use this plot plan to test design schemes before implementing them.

Choose the most desirable shrubs for the given environment. Consider the climate when selecting shrubs for the landscape. While shrubs tend to be hardy, they do vary widely in their needs for sunlight and their ability to thrive in cold conditions.

Pencil in the chosen shrubs. Keep the entire landscape in mind while developing a design, and be sure to consider the height, width and color of each shrub when planning its placement.

Fill empty areas of the yard with groups of three to five shrubs, or cluster shrubs in mulched beds beneath trees to create a lovely shade garden or woodland effect. Plan to space the shrubs at least 5 feet apart to allow each plant adequate room to develop.

Incorporate a mixed border into the design for an informal living fence, grouping several identical shrubs together for the best effect. A more conventional hedge can be created by using a single shrub type. Create a dense hedge by placing shrubs 12 to 18 inches apart; for a less rigid boundary, leave 3 to 5 feet of space between plants. Position deciduous shrubs in front of taller evergreens in the border to highlight the changing foliage with a deep green backdrop.

Place a piece of tracing paper over a photo of the planting site, and pencil in the proposed additions. Visually asses the arrangement, making adjustments as needed, to achieve the desired result.