Why do mixed borders of shrubs and herbaceous plants need less maintenance than fully herbaceous borders?

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Curving flower beds of colorful tulips and blue grape hyacinths bordered by green grass and blooming cherry trees at Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse, Netherlands. — gardening Keukenhof Gardens, near Lisse, Netherlands.

Mixed borders of shrubs and herbaceous plants require less maintenance than fully herbaceous borders primarily because shrubs serve as permanent, structural elements within the garden design.1

In a traditional herbaceous border, the plants are typically non-woody and often require more intensive, seasonal attention to manage their growth cycles and ensure a consistent display. By incorporating shrubs, gardeners establish a stable foundation that reduces the need for the frequent replanting, staking, or extensive soil management often associated with purely herbaceous displays. These woody plants provide lasting form and color, allowing the surrounding herbaceous plants to be integrated into a more sustainable, long-term framework.1