As you begin to transform your deserted island into a thriving paradise, you'll undoubtedly want to add some natural beauty beyond just trees and flowers. Shrubs are a fantastic way to create natural fences, add splashes of color, and define different areas of your island. However, the ability to purchase and plant these lovely botanical additions isn't available from day one. This section will guide you through the specific steps required to unlock the shrub growing system, allowing you to diversify your island's flora and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Unlocking shrubs is directly tied to the progression of your Resident Services building and the arrival of a specific vendor. Patience and consistent gameplay are key here, as you'll need to meet certain criteria before these decorative plants become available for purchase.
Here’s how to get started with your island’s shrubbery:
- Upgrade Resident Services: The most crucial step is to upgrade your Resident Services tent into a full-fledged building. This sificant milestone occurs after you've built three new houses for incoming villagers and completed various tasks for Tom Nook, including setting up the campsite. Once the Resident Services building is complete, Isabelle will arrive, and the island will begin to feel much more established.
- Wait for Leif to Visit: After Resident Services has been upgraded, you'll need to wait for Leif, the sloth vendor, to visit your island. Leif is a special character who appears randomly in the plaza in front of Resident Services. He typically visits once a week, though his appearance days can vary.
- Purchase Shrubs from Leif: When Leif is on your island, approach him in the plaza. He will have a rotating selection of shrub starts available for purchase. These include various types like hibiscus, azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias, each with different seasonal bloom times. Each shrub start costs 280 Bells, or you can buy a bundle of five for 1,400 Bells.
- Planting Your Shrubs: Once you've purchased shrub starts, you can plant them just like flowers or trees. Use your shovel to dig a hole, then select the shrub start from your inventory and plant it. Shrubs require one space between them to grow into a full bush, similar to trees. They will grow into their full size in a few days.
Pro Tip: Leif will eventually become a permanent fixture on Harv's Island, allowing you to purchase shrubs and other gardening supplies at any time once you've unlocked his shop there. This is a later-game progression, but it's good to keep in mind for long-term landscaping projects!