Beautiful compact shrubs punch above their weight
by Colour Your Life
Smaller shrubs provide the essential structure of most gardens and, as we move into autumn and winter, they deliver much of the visual interest too. But the value and uses of garden shrubs are more extensive than you might initially think. Did you know, for example, that oil derived from the Gaultheria shrub (common name checkerberry or mountain tea plant) is used to flavour some toothpastes and chewing gum? Shrubs like this are also important for bringing biodiversity to the garden. Birds, insects and small mammals love their flowers and berries.