What plants are best for small borders?
Some of our favourite small plants for the front of borders are ceanothus, cistus rock rose, euonymus, hebe, dwarf varieties of hypericum, lavender, leucothoe, pieris, potentilla, skimmia and vinca. However, some tall, slender plants, or those with a thin canopy, can be placed near the front to create an attractive, more natural look. Placing bright, hot colours and larger flowers closest to where you will most often view the border from works well, with paler, smaller flowers located at the far end.
What is the best shape for a garden border?
For a neat and structured feel, straight lines and symmetrical shapes tend to work well. That’s more of a formal look, the kind you might find in a modern garden design. If your space leans a little wilder or you like it to feel relaxed, curved edges and flowing shapes might suit you better. A clear rectilinear design can define spaces, while flowing organic curves can be used to soften awkward angles. Use the diagonal axis. A typical suburban garden is often wide but shallow. Looking straight across the back garden therefore emphasizes the shortest dimension.