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Low-Maintenance Gravel Yard with Potted Color for Cold Climates: Fabric, Shrubs, and Annuals

Fort McMurray (severe cold). Small backyard, old tree cut but sprouts everywhere. Husband wants gravel + potted shrubs (sink pots for winter survival). Asks how to tidy up.

Plan

Landscape fabric over area, then gravel—stops sprouts.
Plant cold-hardy background shrubs (e.g., yellow-twig dogwood).
Drop pots of annual color into gravel for summer.

Local nursery can help plan.

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