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Need to replace what I think is box

YviestevieYviestevie Posts: 7,063
in Garden design

I have a small shrub in the front garden which I think has a problem.  Its suddenly gone bare in patches and I'm thinking of replacing it but not sure what with.  I would quite like a small tree but I'm worried about the roots because the garden is raised from the footpath behind a wall which is very old and I'm concerned the roots may damage it.  Ive attached a couple of photos which show the shrub in better days - its the yellow clipped pyramid one.

image

 

image

 Any ideas would be gratefully received.

Hi from Kingswinford in the West Midlands
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,979

    What a pretty garden image.

    Are you thinking of something like a small crab apple or cherry.  I think that something like that would be fine as long as it wasnt right up against the wall. 

    What do others think? 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    VIBURNUM BODNANTENSE DAWN SCENTED WINTER FLOWERING BEE LOVING SHRUB

     This is one of my favourites, small, not fast growing but the flowers have a deep spirit lifting perfume in early spring and mine flowers often thro summer.

    worth a look?

     

     

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,359

    I'd want something with a better shape than those two winter flowerers. They have nothing to offer outside the flowering season, ungainly growth and boring leaves.

    I like Verdun's taxusimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 23,155

    I agree with Dove, but leaning more towards the crab apple. Blossom in spring, fruits in autumn, right size for a front garden, variety of colours.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,400

    I think a crab apple would look great (check out the one called gorgeous - it does what it says on the tin!). However, something scented as you walk down the path to the front door would also be nice - how about one of the daphnes for something a little less straggly - mine started flowering on Christmas day this year, and will stillbe going in April - stops me in my tracks everytime I walk past it (which is why I am always late everywhere from Christmas to Easterimage)

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,359

    Charlie, winter honeysuckles flower and have a wonderful scentimage



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    It is not Box (I can't remember the name of what it is). Personally I would leave it where it is and hope that spring will help it regrow after a general feed. If you really want rid then I would keep to the yellow colour as it works well already.

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 23,155

    Now that I've clicked on the photo and seen it closer up I agree with Blairs that it is not box. I think it's a euonymus. They can get damage from vine weevils but usually re-grow.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Aaron LDAaron LD Posts: 15

    How about an Acer tree there is some spectacular acers available at different sizes to suit but can be pricey due to there slow growth rate. Its just a thought but they are slow growing and add great colors from spring through to autumn, especially the  ‘Sango-kaku’ with bright red twigs and its striking yellow foliage.

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