outdoors

MAKEOVERS

S c u l p t i n g w

i t h

S h r u b s

Michael Schultz chose

plants that play off each other with contrasting colors and textures, pruning

them in unusual shapes. Achieve a similar look with evergreens that offer year-

round good looks in all kinds of climates. For cold-winter regions, American

arborvitae and juniper, as well as deciduous red- and yellow-twig dogwood, are

hardy to Zone 2. False cypress, yew, and some boxwoods are hardy to Zone 5.

SIZE AND FORM Look for unusual

varieties of common plants to create

more visual interest in shrub plantings.

Above

, a ‘Swane’s Gold’ Italian cypress

(Zones 8-io) stands sentry by the

front porch.

COLOR AND TEXTURE Purple,

chartreuse, and variegated foliage

create flashy contrast and

accentuate forms and angles,

as does this purple barberry

pruned into a sloped shape.

TRIMMING AND SHAPING Pruning

shrubs into nontraditional shapes takes a

little more thought than trimming an

ordinary hedge, but the result adds

surprise and excitement to the yard.

To reduce trimming

thcm

t o

reach in

your gardm.

8

S

cejT t& aexi.

Relax. Always Dri-Liners

have unique, visible side

barriers ro help you

sray protected every day.

t U

u m

u s

dri-liners

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS OCTOBER

2007

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