As spring blossoms into full swing, amateur gardeners across the nation are flocking to garden centres, eager to revitalise their outdoor spaces with new plants for beds and borders. Amid the excitement, however, Gardeners' World veteran Alan Titchmarsh cautions that a critical detail is frequently neglected when planting shrubs, which could make or break your garden's success.
The Backbone of Your Garden
"Shrubs form the backbone of any garden," Alan emphasises on his programme, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh. Given their role in providing essential structure, he stresses the importance of meticulous planning regarding their placement. "There are several things to bear in mind," he advises, highlighting that thoughtful siting is paramount for long-term beauty and health.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Firstly, Alan warns against planting shrubs too close to established trees. He recommends leaving a generous "apron" of space around each tree to prevent competition for resources and allow for growth. This is especially crucial as many shrubs can merge into large blocks over time, potentially overwhelming nearby plants.
"It's often easier to buy several smaller plants to make one large one over the space of time," Alan explains. "Spacing is critical here. You want something which looks quite good the moment you've done it, but you've also got to think ahead and allow them to grow."
Strategic Planting for Visual Appeal
Planning ahead with an overall structure in mind is key. Alan shares his personal technique: "I always plant taller things either to the back of a border so it slopes down to the front, or in a circular bed towards the centre and slope it downwards. It's pleasing to the eye." This approach ensures a harmonious, layered look that enhances the garden's aesthetic.
Blending Evergreen and Deciduous Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs retain their foliage throughout winter, offering year-round structure, while deciduous varieties often provide vibrant seasonal colour with their flowers. Alan advocates for blending both types to achieve the best of both worlds.
"We're looking at plants which will give spots of effect, if you like, right the way through the spring and the summer," he elaborates. "By mixing the two things up, we'll end up with structure, form, and spectacle." This combination creates a dynamic garden that evolves beautifully across seasons.
The Planting Process: Depth and Care
Once you've selected your shrub and identified the perfect spot, proper planting technique is essential. "It's so important to always plant at the right depth at the depth that the plant was growing in its pot," Alan insists. Measure the root ball against your spade's blade and dig a hole of matching depth to avoid burying the stem too deeply or leaving roots exposed.
Gently remove the shrub from its pot after watering it thoroughly. "Tap the pot off, having watered it really well," Alan advises, ensuring minimal root disturbance.
Feeding and Watering for Success
Immediate feeding is crucial for new shrubs. Alan recommends using blood, fish, and bone, a general-purpose organic fertiliser. "It feeds soil bacteria as well as the plants," he notes. Sprinkle the fertiliser into the soil excavated from the hole, then mix it back in as you plant to provide nutrients directly to the roots.
Watering needs depend entirely on weather conditions. "If it's showery and the ground's staying damp, they'll be fine," Alan says. "But once it starts to dry out, not just on the surface, but a few inches down, test it with a trowel. See if it's dry, three inches down – if it is, give it a really good soak." This ensures deep hydration without overwatering.
Completing the Garden Picture
With shrubs firmly in place to establish garden structure, Alan suggests filling the gaps with complementary plants. "The gaps in between will be filled with perennials, border plants and annuals, summer bedding," he envisions. "I think it's going to look absolutely gorgeous." This final touch brings colour and life, transforming your garden into a stunning, cohesive landscape.
