Acers, or Japanese Maples, are slow-growing deciduous shrubs known for their graceful form, autumn colour and beautiful, pointed leaf shapes. Many varieties have hand-like leaves, others have fine, deeply-cut foliage that has an almost feathery appearance. Native to Japan and China, they have a beautiful dome-like shape when mature and work well in containers, smaller gardens. The acers compact and non-invasive root systems make them perfect for growing along ornamental paths or in front of the house. .

Buxus hedge plants (Buxus sempervirens) are a popular plant for low formal hedges. The small, glossy apple green leaves, compact growing habit and the slow growth makes it easy to shape and maintain. Buxus hedge plants grow in the toughest environments and the bright evergreen foliage gives excellent year-round coverage,and provides an effective privacy screen and windbreak. .

Euonymus japonicus is a very popular hedging shrub because it provides year round foliage and is well suited to all conditions (including cold, windy, coastal, exposed) and all soils (all but the wettest). The leaves are broad and oval with dark green centres, fading to light green and then with bright yellow margins. Young leaves are generally golden yellow. It provides the best variegation when grown in full sun but will also does fine in partial shade.