Think of shrubs as the backbone of the garden. These are the plants that will add structure and interest throughout the year. Even if they lose all their leaves in winter, many have colourful bark, or a snazzy silhouette to add life on a dull day. There are flowering shrubs for sun or shade, fast-growing shrubs for quick cover, shrubs that can cope with the odd football, and low maintenance shrubs that are virtually impossible to kill.