Elevate an Evergreen Hedge

Although an evergreen hedge looks suitable all year on its own, it's perfectly poised to become something even greater: a backdrop to a garden where flower after flower will unfurl with such drama, you just might find yourself stepping outside and offering your applause.

- Chloe Deike

Although an evergreen hedge looks suitable all year on its own, it's perfectly poised to become something even greater: a backdrop to a garden where flower after flower will unfurl with such drama, you just might find yourself stepping outside and offering your applause.

A hedgeline is a traditional look, so this design certainly builds upon formal garden style. Smaller evergreen hedges and symmetrical plantings bring the structure. But there's less emphasis on straight lines and right angles than in a traditional setting. Instead, the plants get to grow in their natural forms. This not only softens the hard lines of the hedge, but it allows for some more movement in the garden. As a bonus, this means you can relax on trimming that's often required in a garden with lots of formal hedges. Thankfully, there are several ways this garden has been altered to be more low maintenance than it might seem at first. I'll walk you through the necessities-and accessories-on the following page.

DARK MATTERS Plants with dark foliage can accidentally get lost in the shadows without a contrasting background like this bright green hedge. In turn, the ninebark helps the yellow peony flowers to glow. To tie it all together, add more deep purple and burgundy tones in the front of the planting. The hyacinth flowers show up well when sandwiched between the green inkberry holly and candytuft. Replace the pansy and hyacinth with purple summer annuals that echo the ninebark foliage.