JAZZ IT UP — WITH FOLIAGE

Blooming trees and shrubs certainly add color to the landscape. However, their pop and effect are ephemeral. This is a beloved feature in the Japanese style of landscape design, but we tend to prefer a showier, more lasting impact. For a longer season of color, planting tough annuals or perennials en masse does the trick. Choose plants carefully though, as they can easily fade in our hot summers or become deer food. For more lasting, yet more subtle solutions, consider these options:

• Integrate plants with brightly colored or variegated foliage to break up the visual and punctuate areas. Yellow, tinged foliage always draws attention.
• Plants with foliage striping, white or bright edges, chartreuse leaves, or mottled patterns are especially effective for brightening dark areas in a shady garden.
• Take a closer look at our dense sea of green, meaning the eastern US landscape effect. There are lots of shades of green, from bluish to yellow tints. By varying the placement of different shades and colors of foliage, nice movement can be created. The effect is subtle but beautiful.
• Changes in plant size, form, texture, leaf size and type can provide great contrast. Be sure to verify the mature size when locating plants.

Boldly overflowing containers are great for a quick and easy focal point. Coordinating flowers with an accent paint color at your door or entry is an especially warm greeting. This can actually be more powerfully eye-catching that planting larger areas of flowers.

MIX IT UP— WITH LAWN ALTERNATIVES

Your lawn is probably the most expensive and labor-intensive part of your landscape, requiring substantial maintenance and treatments. Mulch beds connecting trees and plantings, strategically located throughout the property, can decrease lawn size significantly. They should be installed with care to reduce maintenance and do require some periodic attention.

Nothing creates a more tidy appearance and instant curb appeal than neatly mulched and edged planting beds. There are various types of mulches, from those made of recycled, shredded tires, to stone, pine tags (straw), and hardwood. . I am also a big advocate of planting ground covers within mulched areas. They accomplish several objectives: they are low maintenance, usually spread on their own, help to control weeds, and provide green color that mimics the lawn without the work.

Related posts:

Yes Virginia- It’s Time For Your Lawn! part 2 Yes Virginia, It’s Time For Your Lawn! part 3