Accent Shrubs are added to the layers described above to create points of visual interest as described in ‘Planting Design 101’. These plants usually have some ver defining feature such as large spiky leaves, or extremely colorful foliage. The points you wish to add extra interest are crucial and should be well thought out. We show you how to consider the factors that will determine your accent areas and teach you how to design these areas with the plan categories described above.

Background shrubs are the plants that create the visual ‘perimeter’ to help frame the garden. These plants will be tallest shrubs that sit in the background of the landscape and are typically placed along the property or fence-line.

Foreground shrubs lie in the front of the background and middleground shrubs also adding to the layering affect. These are the smallest plants which will usually be directly adjacent to the lawn or hardscape, and usually furthest away from the structure or fence-line. This third and front layer creates the desired interest in the garden by completing the proper height variation. Many times, one will use sporadic heights throughout the garden without any design thought, which will typically result in an unorganized look.

Middleground shrubs lie inside of the background shrubs and help to create a ‘layering’ affect in the garden. Creating depth in the garden is crucial for interest. Adding these layers can make small spaces actually seem larger by utilizing these simple design principles of height variation (see ‘Planting Design 101).

Screening Trees are used to create visual barriers between your views and the are you wish to hide. This may be an unsightly neighboring wall or house, a roof-line, telephone wires, or just to simply line your property to designate your space. These trees typically grow more column-like so they may be planted tighter together than trees with larger canopies.

Shade Trees are helpful in creating spaces where constant beating sun may be a problem, such as over a seating area, or in closer proximity to a patio. Some may be evergreen, some may be deciduous (looses leaves in Winter). They are usually not quite as big and work nicely for many residential applications.

Some areas of the garden may get very little to no sun. These conditions are very sensitive as only a select number of plants can tolerate this condition. Plant selection for this ‘design scenario’ is crucial and GardenBrain.com has the solution! We have the much-needed info to have a successful garden in this scenario.

Trees that are considered Large Estate simply mean that they are big and ‘stately’. They can be used for more grand settings, such as a long approach or driveway up to a home, or as bold statements that frame a home in the center of a property. They work nicely to create ‘park-like’ settings if the space accommodates. Designing with the height and spread of the trees and shrubs are just a couple factors that ‘Planting Design 101’ will help the homeowner deal with. The list of plants we customize for you has all the necessary info in order to crate a beautifully functioning ‘do-it-yourself’ landscape!

Vines serve many purposes in the garden. The most popular application is to 'green' up a wall or fence so as to cover unsightly construction. Another way to use vines might be to have the plant grow up a post or column and cover a lattice structure to provide shade. It can be used over arbors and around windows to add whimsical interest. There are many scented vines that scent appeal add appeal to any area of the garden. Dont be afraid to get creative when using vines. 'Planting Design 101' will give detailed information on vine characteristics to help you decide how to use it.