Getting the right shrub for the right yard is not only dependent on human likes and dislikes. A main factor in which shrub is right for you is how the sun moves throughout the yard.

 Nancy Girban, who has eight years' experience at Canadian Tire's garden centre, said when selecting a shrub it's best to come in with knowledge of how the sun lies on the property. A couple of plants that like a lot of sun include rhododendrons, hydrangeas and potentillas, whereas a specific variety of rhododendrons called pjm can tolerate the partial shade.

 Ms Girban said most shrubs do well in Nova Scotia because they tend to like the acidic soil. However, she said, it doesn't mean that shrubs can be popped in the ground and left to their own devices. She said after digging a hole to plant the shrub, add bone meal to the bottom to help it establish its root system in its new home. She said after the bone meal, the plant is ready to go in the ground. Once planted, add fertilizer.

 In fact, Ms Girban said with anything in life, it needs food to grow and flourish. She said to make sure shrubs get fed again a few weeks after planting.

 "Remember, though, that different shrubs like different fertilizers," said Ms Girban, noting blue hydrangea needs aluminum sulfate to produce its blue blooms. Others that need the aluminum sulfate are blueberry bushes and blue spruce.

 Although most shrubs are happy with acidic soil, Ms Girban said shrubs such as lilacs like a sweeter environment. She suggested adding lime to help the plant thrive in an acidic soil.

 Ms Girban said to care for the shrub from year to year, it should be pruned in early spring. She said pruning in fall can leave the plant vulnerable to frost damage. How much to prune is entirely up to the property owner because many of the shrubs can be shaped to suit specific tastes.

 She said using stakes and wrapping burlap can provide adequate protection to help the shrubs survive the winter.

 "It's not good to put something over the top because if snow lays, it can break the shrubs," said Ms Girban.

 When spring arrives, give the dirt or mulch around the shrub a little dig but be careful not to dig too deep to ensure its roots aren't damaged. Prune the shrub, add fertilizer and it will reward you with another season of beautiful blooms.

 There is no other welcomed time of year for Ms Girban than the growing season. She said there is no better job than being outside with plants. She added that working in a garden centre also is rewarding.

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 "When people come back and say how beautiful their plants are, it makes you feel good because you know you have helped improve their home," said Ms Girban.

posted on 07/05/11