The terrace is a privileged area where it is good to rest. Adjacent to the house, it offers a transition zone with the garden. To frame it, a few flowering shrubs or decorative foliage will ensure the link.
General
The shrubs chosen to border a terrace must be adapted to the climate of your region but also to its exposure. The choice of plants is important to ensure a beautiful success. The nature of the soil is also important in order to avoid certain cultural errors that could be fatal. The addition of amendments such as compost, manure or potting soil may be necessary if the soil is very poor. In wet soil, add sand and compost to make it more loose.
Choose hardy perennial shrubs that can withstand a few frosts if you live in a cool region.
Shrubs for raised patios
In the case of a raised terrace, the shrubs chosen should be tall enough to be admired from both sides.
In acidic soils, large rhododendrons will do wonders to border a terrace. If the area is semi-shaded, consider camellias, whose many varieties provide long-lasting flowers. Hydrangeas are a good choice and will provide a show for many months, proud of their large colored pompons.
For a full sun exposure, we don't think much about the different varieties of broom and yet! 'Booskoop ruby' is amazing for its bright red bloom in spring, as is 'Lena Orange' which will light up the area at the same period with its flamboyant colors. Very interesting and easy to grow, broom tolerates pollution and even sea spray, so it is ideal for the seaside or in town.
Foliage lovers will appreciate the cherry laurel and its large shiny green evergreen leaves, but also the variegated varieties of charcoal that bring brightness to the scene. Photinia 'Red Robin' will also be perfect for edging a raised patio. Its white blooms in spring attract pollinating insects and its bright red young shoots add further appeal to this easy-to-grow plant.
Shrubs for Level Decks
A deck that is almost level with the garden does not need to be bordered by huge shrubs unless you want to create a privacy or windbreak barrier. More aesthetically pleasing, small bushes will provide a gentle transition between the two spaces without cutting off the view of the garden.
Dwarf varieties such as 'Dart's Blanket' with orange foliage in winter and variegated foliage in spring, or 'Silver Gem' with cream margins will always make an impact. A low hedge of boxwood or Lonicera nitida, well trimmed, will define the area in a geometric way to keep a very classic look to your terrace.
For those who prefer a more natural look, a border of large ferns will be perfect if your deck is north-facing and the soil remains cool. This plant evokes the undergrowth and raw nature. In Mediterranean areas, rosemary can be a perfect border for a sunny terrace. Its small blue flowers attract pollinating insects and its interest as an aromatic and medicinal plant is an added bonus! In the same style, lavender or agapanthus will also constitute very graphic and easy to maintain borders in southern gardens.
For a winter bloom, think of the various varieties of viburnums, rare shrubs that bloom during this period.
