How to Create Shrub Borders

Make a sketch of the desired landscape borders.
Measure the accurate length and width dimensions of the shrub landscape area(s).
Determine the largest size of each shrub that is desirable; for example, width and height of shrub in feet (meters) no greater than 2 x 2 (0.7 x 0.7), 4 x 4 (1.3 x 1.3), 8 x 8 (2.6 x 2.6), etc.

Prepare a list of plants that meet the area fill desired for the linear and width spaces measured.
Use the starter shrub list below, which indicates in feet (and meters) the expected average mature sizes after 10 years' growth of 11 outstanding evergreen shrubs:
1. Golden-thread cypress (Chaemocyparis pisfera 'Filifera Aurea'), 3 to 6 x 3 to 6 (1 to 2 x 1 to 2)
Junipers (many species and varieties) that range from flat and spreading to upright, recommendations include:
2. Old Gold juniper, Juniperus x media 'Old Gold', 5 x 8 (1.6 x 2.6)
3. Pfitzer juniper, Juniperus x media 'Pfiterana'; 6.5 x 3 (2 x 1)
4. Skyrocket juniper, Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket', 1 x 6 (0.3 x 2.0)
5. Sweet, or tea, olive, Osmanthus, Osmanthus fragrans, 4 x 10 (1.3 x 3)
6. Prunus, Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken,' 4 x 9 (1.3 x 3)
7. Rosemary, Rosemary officianalis, 4 x 6 (1.3 x 2)
8. Holly English, Ilex spp., includes Chinese Japanese, American, yaupon, Winterberry and dwarf varieties; broad range of widths and heights, 2 to 10 x 2 to 20 (0.6 to 3.3 x 0.6 to 7)
9. Pieris, Pieris floribunda, 6 x 12 (2 x 4)
10. Photinia, Photinia sp., 6 x 12 (2 x 4)
11. Japanese Pittosporum, Pittosporum tobira, 10 x 10 (3.3 x 3.3)

Cluster plants appropriately in the measured, sketch diagram to accomplish complete, or partial, fill of the space based on 10-year approximate growth.
Mark the landscape design with an X for the plants' positions, and give a suitable symbol to identify each shrub's name and placement.
Place and distribute plants in a manner that prohibits plants from touching or encroaching on the foundation, or house proper, based on 10-year approximate growth.

Review all the plant choices and positions, and determine if the placements seem satisfactory and accurate.

Determine the availability of shrubs locally or by mail order.