When you think of garden shrubs, you automatically think of lush green, full-grown plants surrounding a flower bed or a fruit tree. Typically this is the way most people envision garden shrubs, but there are many other ways to use shrubs in your yard that will not only add color and interest, but which will also save you time and money. There are two ways to landscape with shrubbery, conventional growing and container gardening. The best landscaping options for shrubbery depend largely on where you live, what you want the final size to be, and how much time and patience you have to devote to your landscaping efforts. Following these basic principles will help you choose the best options for your garden shrubs.

Covering Small Shrubs with House Plants Carefully Taking into account the climate, location and height of your home, you can determine how many plants you will need to cover your shrubbery. This will depend on whether you are landscaping an indoor plant, such as lilies, roses, azaleas or tomatoes, or whether you are landscaping a small outdoor garden, such as sunflowers, crocuses or herbs. The standard garden shrub typically requires one to two feet of soil to stay healthy and grow, so you will need to know how much soil to add before you plant anything. This is why it is important to research different types of shrub plants and their watering requirements and to know how much water they will need in each season. For instance, during the hot summer months, a houseplant shrub like an azalea, grape hyacinth or thyroid is likely to need more water, and in the wintertime, a shrub like a hibiscus will not need as much water as a shrub like crabgrass, evergreen maple, blueberry, rue or passion fruit.

Proper Shrub Care A quick trip to the local nursery or garden shop will help you to know which plants are suitable for your area and climate. A few simple garden maintenance tips also will make it easier to care for your shrub garden. Keep an eye out for weeds, and trim them regularly, especially if they have taken over an entire area.

Watering Regularly Watering is one of the most important garden design ideas for house plants care. It will keep them healthy and prevent them from becoming stunted. Experts recommend that you water every other day during a dry spell and do so daily during periods when temperatures rise above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning Annuals You don’t have to wait until your shrub garden has spread out all around your home before pruning them. Even winter flowers and perennials can be pruned to save money in the spring. Be sure to learn the correct pruning techniques to avoid injuries to the plants or even fatal pruning cuts. Prune at least a third of the plant, and make sure you don’t miss any branches or leaves.

Shade Garden shrub gardens can be created to give shady areas for shady plants and under-the-shade plants for sun-loving ones. A trellis system of plants tied together with wooden slings will give your garden an attractive shady look. This will also provide a place for you to walk around without tripping over the bulk of the shrubbery. If you want a more dramatic effect, you can use several pots, stand alone plants or even a fountain in the middle of the garden.

Border Roses is a popular landscaping choice among home gardeners. They are easy to grow and can be used to border small beds, alleys or corners. These plants are best planted in dense, well drained soil that is slightly acidic in nature. Do not attempt to grow these plants in shaded areas or under trees. They are best used as an addition to existing garden landscaping or as a border along a patio.

Other Shrub You can also use shrub garden borders for other types of shrub gardens such as flowering vine shrub gardens. You can use the same types of plants for the border as you have for the shrub garden. You can include evergreens, cool-loving annuals, perennials and flowering bulbs in the mix to create a beautiful garden design.