What to put next to bush?

Elonsdale54
by Elonsdale54

I have a dwarf Lilac bush and the 2 cedars are going to be pulled out because they are brown inside and not doing well. What can I put in its place. Needs to go to 5 ft. I am making a healing garden. The stone will be added later. I live in Ontario I have have sun all day

This is my focal point

  7 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jun 05, 2019

    Visit your local nursery to get more information for your area and project. They can serve you best plus have the inventory for your region.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jun 05, 2019

    What are you planning to do with the areas that have just dirt now?


    My suggestion is to, before you plant anything else in the yard, spend some money instead on putting landscaping weed barrier fabric down, and getting a load of proper gravel crush to support the existing patio squares.


    Without taking this step, you will soon have weeds galore, and the squares will be sinking and shifting.

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jun 06, 2019

    Hi, here's a list of smaller trees that will work well - https://dengarden.com/landscaping/SmallTreesforaSmallYardorGardenTreesUnderThirtyFeetTall I would go for trees that have an interesting bark and/or have an intricate or delicate flower to draw people into the miniature world. The chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is lovely with its lavender-purple flowers, but it will need to be pruned so it stays small. The Crape Myrtle is also a good choice. It has a really interesting bark and flowers in summer.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Jun 06, 2019

    A healing garden sounds amazing! I found this site that talks about 10 must-have plants for a healing garden and you might find it interesting: http://bloggingbabiesandthebayou.com/10-must-haves-for-a-healing-garden/

  • Pamela Pamela on Jun 06, 2019

    Hi , maybe lavender .. I would ask a local garden center what healing plants would do well in your climate .

  • Pamela - DIY vibes Pamela - DIY vibes on Jun 06, 2019

    I would put something taller in the center where the lilac bush is and shorter on the sides. Or maybe 1 piece of fence that a climbing plant can grow on with smaller perennials that would be in a healing garden in front of it.

  • Gk Gk on Jun 06, 2019

    Your dwarf lilac bush is going to grow to at least 5-6 feet tall and about as wide. You won't need to put anything there once you pull out the cedars. My suggestion is to add some decorative statues or hanging planters that can be moved once the lilac bush rows bigger. Dwarf lilac bushes grow rather quickly and they get bigger than you can imagine. They do not get as large as a regular lilac bush but in a two years the word "miniature" is nothing like you would think. That bush looks miniature now but it's NOT going to stay that way. Filling in the area with rock will make it look less unfinished.