Gardens need structure to give them interest, and to be pleasant to look at.                                                                  

 Whether you are planning on a very formal garden with a central focal point, or an informal english garden that is rather wild in nature and the mixture of plants, adding some type of border gives the eye a place to start and end.            



You can use hardscape materials such as a wall or fencing, or you can use border plants.  I feel that if you choose to use border plants, something that is green year round is the correct selection.  It will give your garden structure in all seasons.  Be sure to select a plant that will remain low and uniform in appearance to give it the neat look you are after.

Setting a color scheme

I have just finished planting my annuals for the season.
Here in the lower South, we are lucky enough to be able to garden all year round.  So I will fill in with annuals for the upcoming season. 

For summer and fall, I have decided on a pallet of limes and hot pinks.  I love the contrast of the two colors.  I have alot of old oak trees on my property which gives me plenty of shade.  I think that using whites with different shades of greens, taking into consideration bloom time and leaf shapes makes for a really interesting garden  scene.

In all of my perenniel beds, I have shades of pinks, reds, yellows and greens.  My greens vary from the blue tones of hostas and lambsears, to deep greens.  So for this season, I have selected impatients, petunias, coleus, and sweet alyssum to spread among the others.  This will give me a continuous pop of color where it is needed, and mix in with the perenniels that will come into bloom at various times of the season.

Don't you just  love an all white garden?   Some people think it would be boring, but it is so not boring and there are so many plants to select from.  In the spring many ornametal trees have white blooms...dogwoods, cherries, and some types of crabapples.  Then there are the magnolias, bridal veil and many other shrubs.

And all of the bulbs, including tulips and daffodils.   You can have pansies in white, hydrangeas, lilies, roses, clematis.  There are just too many to name all of the perenniel, vines, and annuals you have to choose from.

The thing that is most important to remember is that with an all white garden, you need variety of shape, flowering season, and structure to keep it interesting.



As in the garden above, borders are importent.  Use boxwood, hostas, monkey grass, or any other low growing plants that will be uniform in height to contain your garden beds.  They add a sense of order and draw the eye.


Don't forget to add a focal point, such as a fountain, colored pot, or sculpture to give the garden interest.  Remember that it needs to look good  in every season, so take into consideration the shape of the planting without their leaves.  Interesting bark and shape are very important no matter what your color scheme!

Donna's Beautiful Garden: I think of my landscape the same as I think of the...

Donna's Beautiful Garden: I think of my landscape the same as I think of the...: I think of my landscape the same as I think of the rooms in my home.  I have certain 'rules' that are important to me. I like to have...

I think of my landscape the same as I think of the rooms in my home.  I have certain 'rules' that are important to me.

I like to have little 'vignettes' or focal points to draw the eye, like this hanging planter that is at the top of the driveway, just

before you turn the corner to go on the walk to the back veranda.  I find it's color and style eye-catching and draws people up to that spot.  The back is where we live in our home and that is also the part of our yard that we spend alot of time in.   I spend time sitting out there reading and visisting.  It is a wonderful place in the morning to watch the birds at the birdbath and greeting the day with their songs.



Take the time to smell the roses, and listen to the birds...it is therapy for the soul.

Donna's Beautiful Garden: fern frondsSpring is such a special season..it's m...

Donna's Beautiful Garden: fern frondsSpring is such a special season..it's m...: fern fronds Spring is such a special season..it's makes anything seem possible.  I am always excited to see new plants surviving the win...

fern fronds

Spring is such a special season..it's makes anything seem possible.  I am always excited to see new plants surviving the winter, and established ones growing larger and stronger.

It occured to me that gardens are like friends.
They take a while to grow and become established. Harsh environments that challenge them, make them all the more cherished when they survive and you see the real beauty they have to offer.  They take patience and give great joy.

Learn from the gardener, nurture yourself and accept help when it is neccessary