Focal points

A wide driveway curves toward a circle of rocks. The evergreens blend in nicely with the stonework. Some like to use a collection of bunnies, chimes, weathervanes or birds, to enhance or soften a space. The best way to place them is usually in groups of 3, 5 or 7. If your collection is colorful to begin with, like aqua colored pottery, then plants with colors from orange to red would provide a rich contrast. The color wheel below is very helpful, keeping you in a color family for contrast and to harmonize, too. Choose a complementary color, for subtle changes in color, and to signal a change in seasons.

Below are examples of gardens that have gradients of color, while others are specific in showcasing contrasting colors, calling attention to the garden.

One thing to keep in mind: these lush gardens can look a bit bare during the winter. If that is a concern, plant some small shrubs for a line of evergreen along the back of the garden bed, then add some top soil at the end of autumn to clean up the look, fertilize the soil for the spring.

For wide sweeping garden like these, sprinkle the garden with annuals for some new color. I find that each year I visit garden centers I see something new, in perennials and annuals; in fact, some places seem to specialize in introducing new varieties. Get to know your local places and don’t be afraid to ask questions. In this age of cell phones, snap some photos of your garden, send them to me, and we’ll discuss which place to visit that’s likely to have a bigger selection of unique plants and shrubs.