Page 14 - North Haven Magazine Special Edition Issue 13 2020

by Sally Brockett

pring motivates us to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, Consider the size, form, color, and growth style of shrubs
Ssmell the blossoming flowers, and to plant a new shrub! before you select one. Will there be sufficient space for the
There is something exciting and rewarding about selecting a shrub 5 to 10 years from now? What colors will the shrub
new shrub for our yard, and spring or summer is a great time provide, either in its leaves through the seasons, or with blos-
to do it. In order to assure success, there are important steps soms, or berries? What form or shape shrub do you want
to take first. in the space you are considering? Should it be low growing,
tall and columnar, spreading, or compact? Many shrubs are
Start with a walk around your property to see where you available in dwarf forms. You may have space for a favorite
want to locate a new shrub. Do you need to block an unat- if you can locate the dwarf variety. Evergreen shrubs should
tractive area, or highlight a specific spot? Is there an empty also be considered because they will provide color, and shel-
space beside the house or garage that could be “filled in”? ter for wildlife through the winter.
The lighting and environment must be appropriate for the Consider blossoms and berries. Many shrubs produce
specific shrub you choose. How much sunlight will it receive, flowers, and many produce both flowers and berries. If you
and will it be morning or afternoon sun, or direct sun from wish to support wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds,
the south? Is it a windy location that might damage certain the berry bushes are an excellent choice. They will blossom,
types of shrubs, or require winter protection for the plant? which offers nectar and pollen, and then the blossoms pro-
What type of soil is available? Is it dry, moist, sandy, or good duce berries later in the season. Some shrubs will produce
quality topsoil? Some soil conditions can be addressed by berries that can be used for jams and baking, while other
adding compost or other organic material, but some condi- produce berries strictly for the birds, which can be poisonous
tions will be difficult to change. Be sure to select a shrub that to humans. Be sure to research this so you know what you are
will thrive in the environment that is available. planting in your yard.

“Out with Invasives, In with Natives” is the theme of the Visit your local nursery centers. Spring is a great time to
Federated Garden Clubs of CT, Inc. this year, and is sup- visit the nursery center after you have some thoughts about
ported by local garden clubs across the state. When you are your shrub selection. These centers will have a variety of
making plans for your new shrub, consider first removing shrubs and you will be able to see many in blossom. Bring
any shrub on your property that is on the CT Invasives List. your ideas and plans with you to discuss with the profession-
These are plants that are not native to CT, grow aggressive- als. They may offer suggestions and additional ideas to con-
ly, and out-compete the native plants to the point that the sider. If you want a specific variety of shrub, many nurseries
natives die out. Visit invasive.org to see a list of plants that will order it for you if they do not have it in stock.
should be removed. You might be surprised to find several
in your own yard! This may give you more space for the new
shrub you do want.

Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). Winterberry (Ilex verticillata).
Produces fragrant, yellow flowers, and seeds eaten by birds. Produces bright red berries in the fall that feed birds
Host plant for the spring azure butterfly caterpillars. No through the winter and are excellent for holiday
serious insect or disease problems, deer resistant. decorating. No serious insect or disease problems, best
in acid soil, berries and leaves are toxic to dogs, cats, and
horses.
14 North Haven Magazine - Special Edition 2020