Nothing is as dreary as a bare fence against a gray winter sky. Just ask me—I look out at it myself from my kitchen table. That’s why, at our home and for many of our customers, I always choose evergreens. Below are my five favorites, all of which we’ve delivered hundreds of times and planted in gardens throughout the Netherlands.

1. Taxus baccata

Indestructible, stately, and elegant. Yew remains dense and dark green all year round and lasts for decades. For anyone who wants something beautiful that stays beautiful, this is, in my opinion, the perfect choice.

2. Ilex crenata

The boxwood substitute that many gardening enthusiasts have been looking for for years. It has foliage just as fine and can be pruned just as neatly, but without the box tree moth stress we’ve been seeing everywhere in recent years.

3. Prunus laurocerasus (bay laurel)

Large leaves, full and imposing. If you want privacy quickly and have about 80 cm of space available, then laurel is the clear winner in my opinion. It immediately looks like a real green wall.

4. Photinia 'Red Robin'

Bright red young shoots in the spring, dark green mature foliage. One of the few evergreen hedges that truly adds color to your garden, even in March and April when most gardens are still coming into their own.

5. Privet (Ovalifolium)

It’s actually semi-evergreen, because in a mild winter it retains most of its leaves, and in a harsh winter it loses some. But it grows quickly, is reasonably priced, and is very forgiving if you’re a beginner.

Which one is right for you?

Are you mainly looking to block the wind and ensure privacy? Bay laurel. Do you have a sleek shape in mind? Yew or Ilex crenata. Do you need something that’s budget-friendly and grows quickly? Privet. And for those who want something eye-catching: Photinia Red Robin. If you’re still unsure, feel free to email or call me, and I’d be happy to help you figure it out based on your garden.