laurel plants, what to do with them

[newgardener]

I have seven laurel bushes in my small garden, how can I plant them to make them look more interesting, they are just sitting there in a row, about 50 cm high each, like soldiers. They were a impulse buy and an error I think, I know that they are good hedging plants, but I have thin boarders which I since have planted with clematis and other climbers which are doing well, and I have moved the soldier laurels to another bit of the garden, they just look too uniform. I like shaggy garden, cottage garden feel, what could I plant them with or near to make them fit in, any ideas gratefully recieved.

[Trixie2]

Seven Laurels in a small garden sounds like too many to me. they only look uniformly boring because of the way you've planted them i.e. in a straight line. They can look quite attractive as individual bushes. I would suggest you re-site two or three of them in well spaced irregular positions and sell off the balance. Hope this is helpfull. Happy gardening.

[newgardener]

Thanks, you are right, they do look like they are waiting for a bus. I suppose if I plant them irregularly in clumps they will look a bit more natural. They were cheap and I bought them before I had any vision of where I was going, gardening is a bit trial and error in the beginning isnt it. anyone have any ideas what I could plant them near, to soften that shiny green leaf look they have...

[Trixie2]

You do not grow Laurels in clumps. You only plant them close if you want to grow a hedge or a similar feature. The reason being it is not a fast grower but can achieve 2 metres plus in a matter of years, if it's happy in its location. You say you want to soften its shiny green appearance. This really is its best feature so I do believe that in truth you just don't like the plant. If so it's just a matter of time before you dispose of it or regret not having done so. Why not face up to it and start again. p.s. I'll have them.

[newgardener]

You are very right and very wise. It is a shiny leaved plant and short of putting it behind the shed I am not going to be able to disguise it.! It was a gardening mistake! I will face up to it....