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Defining your landscape can be a challenge, but starting with simple shrubs is a no-hassle, low-maintenance option. Shrubs can add color and beauty to your yard with virtually no upkeep. There are so many different varieties to choose from, it's easy to find the perfect one to complement your landscape.

Types of Shrubs
To add colour and texture to your yard, choose one of many options including azalea, dogwood, hardy shrub rose, hydrangea or lilac. Planting a colorful shrub border will add a wonderful focal point along your home or walkway, and bring an element of interest by adding height to an existing flower garden.

Border on the Unique
The key to creating a successful border is to plan your design using layers of colors and textures. Virtually every shrub variety will add all-season color and texture to your landscape. Keep in mind that shrubs can grow to be enormous, but if you keep them trimmed and maintained, they will continue to bring beauty and style to your home.

You can also use shrubs to line and define your property. This can be the perfect way to create a border between your home and your neighbour's property. Unlike a large border of trees or an obstructive fence, shrubs will divide the space without making you feel shut in. Carefully chosen and well-maintained shrubs are an attractive and natural solution that both you and your neighbors will enjoy.

Shrub Maintenance
For shrubs to grow successfully, they need to have good soil. You may need to condition the soil by adding compost. Be sure that the planting area is well drained. Before you plant your shrubs, check to ensure that they are not root bound. Gently loosen the roots with a knife, place the root ball in the soil, cover and give your freshly planted shrub lots of water.

Your new landscape of shrubs may look a little empty at first, but over time the new plants will spread out and fill the gaps. The beauty of shrub landscapes is that you don't have to plant a lot to get a lot. If you choose to fill the spaces, add easy-care annuals, or perennials for everlasting beauty. When the work is done, you will be able to relax and take pride in your unique landscaping design that everyone will enjoy.