Shrubs form the backbone of the British garden. There is such a broad selection of shrubs to choose from, it is important to consider what you want from this group of plants. Shrubs can be used to create an informal hedge, covering fencing or bare walls. In a cottage garden, flowering shrubs provide a framework around which perennials and annuals can be planted, providing height and year round interest. The colour and shape of the leaves make some shrubs as beautiful as interesting to grow as any flower, ranging from crimson red right through to speckled white. Many shrubs produce flowers which attract wildlife to the garden. It is possible to buy shrubs that flower Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, so with the right selection of shrubs, you can have flowers in your garden every month of the year.