Keep a unifying theme in garden's framework

This time of year separates serious gardeners from those who simply like flowers. In the same way that we describe women of ageless beauty as having "good bones," a skeleton or structure of good bones can keep a garden or landscape attractive through the seasons.

Hardscapes

As a computer buff knows the difference between hardware and software, it helps to think of your landscape in the same way. Before you can fill in with plants -- the software -- you need to have a framework to build your design upon. When it comes to landscape design, the material for the framework -- the hardware -- is called the hardscape. The hardscape features become the bones of the landscape, a constant accent or background in the ever-changing world of plants.

Hardscapes start at ground level and move up: paths, pavers, dry creeks made with river rock, waterfalls made of stone, walls, fences, ornamental gates, arbors, trellises, gazebos, pergolas, retaining walls, decks, patios, fire pits -- even children's play areas can include decorative hardscape features.

Try to keep a unifying theme when installing hardscapes, such as the same color or style of brick or stone, materials that are consistent with the period or architectural style of the home, or the repetitive use of a material or motif that connects the outdoor hardscapes to the house -- wrought iron ornamentation, a shell or pineapple motif, the use of slate or native stone.

Conifers

Coniferous needle evergreens have the distinction of being garden "software" that can also perform as if they were hardscapes. Yews and arborvitae are hardy, reliable evergreens that are often overlooked as ornamentals because they are so useful as hedges and screens. Junipers have similar uses in the landscape, but they also come in a variety of low-growing, ground-hugging and trailing forms. Spruces, firs and pines make elegant windbreaks or screens, but serve equally well as specimens in the landscape.

Dwarf conifers are the haute couture line of the plant world -- collectors pay astronomical prices for the twisted needles, unusual colorations, gnarly shapes and compact to doll-sized forms of these evergreen plants.

It pays to do a little homework before investing in these plants. Some plants sold in tiny pots and labeled as dwarf could turn out to be slow-growing forms that will eventually reach 20 feet or more.

The term "evergreen" can be confusing, because many needle conifers come in a variety of colors. The needles of some evergreens color from spring to fall, while others may change color in the winter. Steely blue conifers are highly prized. Conifers called "blue" can range from green with a slight blue cast to blue-gray to a blue so pale it is nearly silver.

In addition to needle colors in a range of blues, greens and golds, some evergreens have needles tipped in white and some have needles that are blue or green on top and silver underneath.

Professional planning

Flowers, especially annual flowers, are easy -- you can experiment with them from one year to the next without spending a fortune.

Since the hardscape aspects of the garden are permanent, they tend to be accordingly more expensive. Long-lived evergreen trees and shrubs will be the second most expensive items in your landscape.

It has been shown that a well-designed landscape not only can significantly add to the value of your home, it will also be pleasing to the eye and will add livable space.

Consulting with a professional to help design and/or install these features can be cost effective and may open your eyes to interesting possibilities.

Professionals can also advise you as to practical issues such as drainage, changes in grade, permit requirements, and avoiding damage to the roots of existing trees, as well as plant selection and design issues.