Anyone knowledgeable about shrubs?

[boomerang]

After 20 years all our landscaping is overgrown. We've got a dozen Tam Junipers among other shrubs that have to come out. My wife and I both hate this variety we have because they are extremely picky. They actually make my wife break out in a rash if she touches them without a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.

I want an alternative that is very similar in that it be an evergreen, low-growing and something that will survive lower Michigan winters without being covered up.

I'm not into this kind of stuff at all. With some suggestions, I can research from there, but I don't know what shrubs to even look for.

Yes, I know I can go to a nursery; I just want to get a head start on it.

 

[FilmCamera]

You shall go and find me.....A SHRUBERY!

 

[SoulAssassin]

How low do they have to be? Black Lace Sambucus is a new thing this year and it should survive in Michigan winters plus they look really really nice. It will grow to 6 ft but if you bring the hedge trimmers out every now and then you can keep it down to a couple feet.

http://plantsbulbs.suite101.com/article.cfm/black_lace_sambucus
http://www.colorchoiceplants.com/black_lace.htm
http://gardening.about.com/library/bl_SamBlackLace.htm
http://www.springmeadownursery.com/black_lace.htm

BLACK LACE is in my opinion the best ornamental elder thus far. It is an exciting new plant that comes by way of the breeding program at East Malling Research Station in England. This beauty has velvet-black leaves that are finely cut and lacy. At first glance you might mistake this plant for an exotic form of Japanese maple, but it's not and the big pink flowers prove it. It will be available at retail nationally in 2007. It holds its color well, even in the heat of the South. Black Lace a remarkable plant in every respect, and it will be the plant that changes everyone's opinion of elderberry as an ornamental. It's unique color, texture and flower color combine to create an outstanding garden plant. Black Lace stands above all selections of ornamental elderberry and will find a home is most every garden.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: SoulAssassin
How low do they have to be? Black Lace Sambucus is a new thing this year and it should survive in Michigan winters plus they look really really nice. It will grow to 6 ft but if you bring the hedge trimmers out every now and then you can keep it down to a couple feet.

http://plantsbulbs.suite101.com/article.cfm/black_lace_sambucus
http://www.colorchoiceplants.com/black_lace.htm
http://gardening.about.com/library/bl_SamBlackLace.htm
http://www.springmeadownursery.com/black_lace.htm

BLACK LACE is in my opinion the best ornamental elder thus far. It is an exciting new plant that comes by way of the breeding program at East Malling Research Station in England. This beauty has velvet-black leaves that are finely cut and lacy. At first glance you might mistake this plant for an exotic form of Japanese maple, but it's not and the big pink flowers prove it. It will be available at retail nationally in 2007. It holds its color well, even in the heat of the South. Black Lace a remarkable plant in every respect, and it will be the plant that changes everyone's opinion of elderberry as an ornamental. It's unique color, texture and flower color combine to create an outstanding garden plant. Black Lace stands above all selections of ornamental elderberry and will find a home is most every garden.

Thanks for you suggestions.

Ooooh, a lot lower that that for two reasons. I have very few windows on the front of the house and I don't want to block them. Now for the "real" reason, I absolutely hate yard work in any form. If I had kept up on trimming what we have, I wouldn't have to be tearing it out now.

I'm having 5 burning bushes taken out that are easily ten feet tall. I just don't like yardwork.

24" maximum would be ideal.

 

[Quasmo]

Originally posted by: FilmCamera
You shall go and find me.....A SHRUBERY!

and now.... you must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with.......a herring!!!!

</ni>

 

[IAteYourMother]

My name is Roger, and I am a Shrubber

 

[boomerang]

The wife just found this site that has a plant search. It's just what I was looking for and it's a local nursery that's only about 20 minutes away.

I think I'm all set now.

OK, what movie are you guys quoting from. It sounds familiar. One of the Monty Python's?

 

[lykaon78]

Try here http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/conif/

or here http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/shrubs/

 

[eplebnista]

Originally posted by: Quasmo

Originally posted by: FilmCamera
You shall go and find me.....A SHRUBERY!

and now.... you must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with.......a herring!!!!

</ni>

lol