Enduring joys of lovely shrubbery

SHRUBS are the backbone of a brilliantly blooming garden.

- with DAVID DOMONEY

While most folks just reach for flowers to inject colour, foliage can steal the show - and for far longer. From rich reds to zesty yellows, colourful leaves deliver a vivid display from spring through to autumn.

In some cases, they shine right through winter too.

Foliage-first planting delivers consistent colour, texture and structure and all with little effort.

These shrubs bring long-lasting beauty and balance to any garden, working wonderfully as the backdrop or the main attraction.

As the growing season peaks, here's my pick of showstopping shrubs that bring shape, shade and sensational colour to borders. These are low on fuss and high on impact.

FIERY REDS AND RICH PURPLES