When choosing any type of plant, it is always best to select a variety that will thrive in the conditions your garden has to offer, rather than trying to make the conditions suit the plant.
Take some time to learn about your garden environment; find out what type of soil you have, the areas of sunshine and shade, the level of exposure to winds and the amount of rainfall the garden receives.
We've put together a series of handy guides to help you to choose shrubs that will flourish in a range of different conditions, as well as information on selecting plants for their particular properties, such as their fragrance, or their ability to provide interest over a number of seasons.
