Knowing the mature size of plants before you place them in your garden is fundamental to establishing a long term sustainable garden. Plants' growth patterns and rates of growth are also important considerations when deciding what to plant and where. Shrubs in particular need space to grow and should be released from the confines of around the house. Shrubs can form the bones of a new garden bed added to your yard. As the shrubs grow and the environment changes, the garden changes too.
Deciduous shrubs are excellent additions to the garden.
Many are in flower when the perennials haven't started yet and they can form robust structural forms which shape the garden. These can easily be planted as a hedge or as individuals. May. If you want to introduce a large flowering shrub to your garden within a sea of an existing lawn, make a bed which will encompass the eventual size of the shrub. This will keep the mowers in check and it will also identify the bed as an area in transition. Use temporary or transient plants as early companions to the young shrub.