Creative Gardens Q&A - Non-Hedge Borders

QUESTION

I want to screen a building site which is behind my garden. I don’t really want a hedge, something more informal but it will need to grow 8’ or 9’ and it is quite shady. Any ideas?

ANSWER

I think the best solution is to plant a mixed border. Here are a selection of shrubs that will grow quite easily, in an average soil. 

Viburnum tinus is a reliable hardy shrub with dark green leaves and white flowers in autumn and winter. 

Aucuba Japonica Variegata  (spotted Laurel) you should plant male and female varieties of this to get large red berries in the winter which contrast beautifully with the glossy green spotted leaves.

Ilex (holly) there are lots of different varieties which can give you green, golden or silver variegation.  Again male and female varieties should both be planted to get the berries or there are some self fertile types.  You will be the envy of your neighbours at Christmas when you cut your berried holly and bring indoors for decoration!  

Next, and a particular favourite of ours is Photinia “Red Robin”.  This is not the most dense of shrubs but really worth planting for its’ stunning new growth in spring and summer which as its’ name suggests is a rich red.

All the above shrubs are evergreen and so will give you good screening cover all year, and they will contrast nicely with each other. They will all grow to at least your required height, albeit at slightly different rates which will help create that informal look you want. You can trim these plants in future if they become too tall.