A balanced mix of woody plants and perennials delivers the best show throughout the year.

Learn how to design a gorgeous garden to border a fence.

Designing a Beautiful Back Border—Planting Plan

Trees and shrubs

1. Golden Ruby^® barberry

(Berberis thunbergii* ‘Goruzam’, Zones 4–8; pictured)

2. ‘Compacta’ Hinoki cypress

(Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Compacta’, Zones 4–8)

3. ‘Royal Purple’ smokebush

(Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’, Zones 5–9)

4. ‘Sekkan-sugi’ Japanese cedar

(Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi’, Zones 6–9)

5. ‘Aureomarginatus’ Japanese euonymus

(Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’, Zones 6–9; pictured)

6. ‘Blanchard’ Southern magnolia

(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Blanchard’, syn. M. grandiflora ‘D. D. Blanchard’, Zones 7–9)

 7. Tiger Eyes^® sumac

(Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’, Zones 3–8)

8. Magic Carpet^® spirea

(Spiraea japonica* ‘Walbuma’, Zones 4–9)

Understory evergreens

9. Orange New Zealand sedge

(Carex testacea, Zones 8–9; pictured)

10. ‘Mary Helen’ heather

(Erica × darleyensis ‘Mary Helen’, Zones 6–9)

11. ‘Blue Star’ juniper

(Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’, Zones 4–8; pictured)

12. ‘Moon Bay’ heavenly bamboo

(Nandina domestica* ‘Moon Bay’, Zones 6–9)

13. ‘Densiformis’ yew

(Taxus × media ‘Densiformis’, Zones 4–7)

Perennials

14. Bear’s breeches

(Acanthus mollis, Zones 7–11)

15. Rozanne geranium

(Geranium ‘Gerwat’, Zones 4–8; pictured)

16. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass

(Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, Zones 5–9)

17. Mardi Gras™ sneezeweed

(Helenium ‘Helbro’, Zones 4–8)

18. ‘Big Ears’ lambs’ ears

(Stachys byzantina ‘Big Ears’, syn. S. byzantina ‘Helen Von Stein’, Zones 4–9)

*Invasive Alert:

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergia)

This plant is considered invasive in AL, CT, DE, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT, WI, and WV.

Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

This plant is considered invasive in AL, FL, GA, MD, MO, and SC.

Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica)

This plant is considered invasive in AL, GA, IN, KY, PA, TN, and VA.

Please visit invasiveplantatlas.org for more information.

Stacie Crooks is a landscape designer and educator in Edmonds, Washington. She specializes in drought-tolerant designs.

From Fine Gardening #208

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Gardzen 3-Pack 72 Gallons Garden Bag

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High Quality Fabric - Gardzen Garden Waste Bags are made from 4.4oz/yd2 (150g/㎡) durable polypropylene fabric that can withstand heavy loads and rough handling. Please note that they should not be left out in the sun for long periods. Environmentally Friendly - These reusable yard waste bags are an environmentally friendly choice as they can be used over and over again, unlike disposable bags. The strong handles make it easy to carry the bags, even when they are full. These garden bags for debris allow you to complete your gardening tasks efficiently and effectively, while minimising waste and promoting sustainability. Large Capacity - With a height of 30 inches and a diameter of 26 inches, there is plenty of room for a large amount of garden waste. Whether it's leaves, branches or grass clippings, these yard waste containers can handle it all. A Must-Have For Gardeners - these leaf bags are an essential tool for managing garden waste and can make your gardening tasks much more efficient. The large capacity and durable construction make them ideal for storing and transporting various items. The yard bags can also be folded and stored compactly when not needed, saving valuable space. Package Included - A great value set of 3pcs heavy duty lawn and leaf bags. 3pcs white plastic hoops. There are 2pcs double stitched webbing handles in the top and 1pc strong webbing corner handles in the bottom.

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Corona E-Grip Trowel

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Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red.

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Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

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