The second letter of our living alphabet features Boxwood for the letter B.

The first thought that comes to my mind at the mention of boxwood is a formal hedge, perhaps in a maze. We need to be more generous with our opinions of this evergreen shrub.
First: It’s a large family. My favorites are the traditional green. Other varieties are red or golden leaf. Preferred sunshine amount varies also but in general they like a sunny area or moderate shade.
The grouping above is in need of a trim. They first arrived at this location as tiny tots, perhaps a foot high. Once their roots got comfortable they reached for the windowsill. A large dose of mulch three years ago gave them a boost.
They are spaced far enough apart to allow other plantings — daffodils, lilies, and annuals for seasonal splashes of color and interest. They also make a nice backdrop for Christmas lights. And after a snow — well, it’s April, I don’t want to see them all trimmed in white again for months. Enough to say they make a pretty picture or memory year round.