There are a multitude of synonyms for the phrase "the bushes" depending on the context. In a gardening or landscaping setting, one might use the terms shrubbery or foliage to refer to the same group of plants. In a more casual setting, the phrase "the brush" may be used to describe a thicket or bramble of bushes. A more specific term would be "hedgerow," which refers to a row of shrubs or trees planted to create a boundary or barrier. Finally, "underbrush" or "undergrowth" might be used to refer to the lower layers of foliage beneath taller trees in a forested area.