Yard

We cleaned up these Hollywood Junipers to showcase the gnarled architecture of the branches.

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This beautifully layered border garden features a lot of elements that I use quite frequently in my own landscapes in North Carolina. I love the blue junipers in the back and the beautiful hydrangeas in the middle layer with various perennials in between.

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Prostrate conifers are shown to best advantage when allowed to cascade gently over walls or climb over boulders. Recommended conifers: Dwarf Japanese garden juniper (Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’, zones 4 to 9, shown here), carpet juniper (Juniperus horizontalis cvs, zones 3 to 9), the shade-loving Cole’s Prostrate Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Cole’s Prostrate’, zones 3 to 7) and Blue Snake deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara ‘Blue Snake’, zones 7 to 9).

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Mixed with other woody plants, creeping juniper adds texture and contrast, especially when used with false cypress (Chamaecyparis spp) or blue spruce. In naturalistic settings pair low junipers with wildflowers such as false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) and helenium, or plant clumps of airy panic grass (Panicum virgatum) or fountain grass amid the junipers. This is an example of a contemporary backyard landscape in Chicago. — Houzz

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Small shrubs. Heathers (Calluna spp, zones 4 to 10) and low-spreading junipers, such as shore juniper (Juniperus conferta cvs, zones 5 to 9), are good choices to consider. More great shrubs. Inspiration for a landscape in Other. — Houzz Use flat rock set in ground at angle to achieve ridge effect — switzerw

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