HARDY SHRUBS, TREES & CLIMBERS
Technically, shrubs are woody plants which naturally have more than one stem arising from ground level. They differ from herbaceous perennials in that this woody growth doesn’t die down in winter, though in the case of deciduous shrubs, leaves are lost. Size is not a defining factor; some shrubs are shorter than herbaceous perennials, others are taller than some trees (which naturally have a single stem arising from ground level). The boundaries are blurred – sometimes we refer to shrubby perennials, or sub-shrubs, where the top growth may, or may not, be killed off in winter. Also, some trees may have multiple stems, but this is more often than not caused by human intervention – examples coppicing Hazel, or Birch.
Climbing plants possess several methods of attaching themselves to their support - tendrils (Passionflowers), twining stems (Trachelospermum) or leaf stalks (Clematis), thorns (Bougainvillea), adhesive aerial roots (Ivy).
Shrubs, trees and climbers are indispensable in most garden situations – having more ‘body’ than herbaceous plants, they form a link between the softer form of the latter and solid structures – buildings, paving etc. They have a great diversity in form, leaf, stem and flower colour, season of interest and habitat. Many have scented flowers or decorative, possibly edible fruit.
Other things these plants bring to the garden are:
- Height – being generally somewhere between herbaceous & trees.
- Shelter – breaking the wind allows other more tender plants to be grown in their lee, and makes it more pleasant for people too.
- Shade - larger shrubs can provide shade for people and plants.
- Barrier – in the form of a hedge, or more informal arrangement, using the appropriate plants, this can be impenetrable.
- Screening – to hide unsightly features.
- Backdrop – as a contrast to e.g. a herbaceous border.
- Structure – especially in the winter.
- Formality - clipped box topiary being a prime example.
Typically, the ‘average’ garden will have, depending on size and the whims of the owner, one or two trees, maybe several shrubs and climbers, even more herbaceous plants, grasses and probably some under planted bulbs. This arrangement is not dissimilar to that found in nature, the best example being the woodland edge. Not surprisingly, this sort of planting is good for wildlife, giving a good diversity of habitat and food, providing the correct plants are chosen.
Because shrubs, trees and climbers are long term residents of the garden, and once established can be difficult to move, care needs to be taken over selection and placing. To take account of the eventual height and, perhaps more importantly, spread, planting distances might at first seem large – these spaces can be filled with other quicker growing plants which can be removed when the main plants mature.