How to Arrange Evergreens

Evergreens retain most of their foliage to create year-round color for the garden. Some varieties of evergreens like shrubs produce compact foliage that creates a strong architectural accent to the landscape. Other varieties of tall evergreens like trees are ideal arranged as barriers and specimen plants. When choosing the arrangement, it's important to consider their function and overall design intent in the garden. They should harmonize with the rest of the environment, including outdoor structures and other plants. A good evergreen arrangement should also appear as if the evergreen belongs there and is not just an afterthought.

• 1

  Plant evergreen ground covers like creeping cotoneaster and spreading wintergreen in front of flowerbeds and borders to enhance the front of the garden with their ever-vibrant foliage. Grow them along garden ledges and rock walls to spill over and create a vibrant display.

• 2

  Arrange in the back of the garden or sides of the home tall evergreen shrubs like arborvitae and boxwood to create a backdrop and visual barrier to the landscape. Space them far enough apart to ensure they each have room for maximum growth.

• 3

  Accent areas of the home like pathways and entrances with narrow, columnar shaped evergreens like Italian cypress. Place them side by side in groups of three or more to accent the space.

• 4

  Add an ornamental evergreen tree like a Yaupon holly to the garden to create a focal point in the landscape. Place one on either side of a patio or porch to create a balanced display.

• 5

  Plant tall evergreen shrubs or trees around the home's foundation to accentuate the lines of the home and help cover up unsightly outdoor systems. Place one tall evergreen on either side of the foundation to create a commanding presence. Fill in areas around the tall evergreen with small evergreen shrubs and ground covers.