Hardy shrubs are essential elements in New England gardens. They add depth and character to any garden and provide lovely blooms, attractive berries, showy fall colors, and food for the birds. Selecting plants suited to the New England climate is crucial to success.

Do not despair if your garden is affected by dry soil conditions. There are plenty of beautiful shrubs for difficult sites like yours.

Shade gardens can appear like a planting challenge for some gardeners. They might not be aware of the wide variety of gorgeous shade-loving plants that will thrive in filtered light or deep shade.

Steep banks and slopes are particularly challenging for most gardeners. Often difficult to access, poor and sandy, they are prone to erosion, soil drying and tend to be overrun with weeds. Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that tolerate the conditions of a sunny slope in New England landscapes.

Plant one of these shrubs or small trees and enjoy a spectacular late fall and winter display. They all possess brightly colored fruits and are an excellent way to brighten the drab winter garden, turning sorry spots into beautiful focal points.

Few gardeners choose their shrubs because they have brilliant fall color. Fragrance, flowers, colorful berries, and ornamental shapes are usually the main features most gardeners request. And yet the long-lasting autumn leaf change is one of the most spectacular displays in the plant world.

Most gardeners plant Forsythia, Potentilla, Lilacs and Rhododendrons. They overlook a wide range of exciting flowering shrubs with fragrant flowers, ornamental fruits and colorful foliage in fall.