I'm looking for advice on what to plant for the back of my garden border, specifically to create a tall, lush backdrop behind my north-facing fence. I often see beautiful gardens with lovely greenery hiding the fence, but I'm not sure if those are just hedges or something else. I've checked some gardening websites for ideas, but they typically suggest short plants like delphiniums. Can anyone recommend some shrubs or taller plants that can help achieve that thick, green backdrop?
3 Answers
We tackled a similar challenge along our fence and went with Laurel shrubs, which we clipped to break up the line. It’s called pleaching, I believe. In front of those, we planted Bergenia and penstemon, which also thrive in the shade. Keep in mind that while Laurels aren't native and don’t support wildlife as much, they do attract some hoverflies and need regular upkeep. Adjusting your plants based on the north-facing aspect will definitely help!
It sounds like you're on the right track! For your back border, consider looking for upright shrubs to create that nice backdrop. Websites like Burncoose and Ashwood can really help; they have filters to help you find what you need. Since it's north-facing, a combination of evergreen and deciduous shrubs might work well. It all depends on the space you have, but those sources are a goldmine for inspiration!
Have you considered sharing a picture of your current setup or the style you like? That way, it might be easier for folks to suggest the best plants for your area. Just a thought!