Landscaper Directory

Plants

Plants are the building blocks of any landscape design. Their shape, height, color, and texture are combined in ways that draw our attention, and affect our moods. Plants can be used as focal points, or just as easily become screens for areas of the landscape we don't want to see. The importance of plants in a landscape design dictates that we use great care in their selection. Let's examine the basic role plants play in landscape design.

Some landscape plants are so superior that they command our immediate attention, insisting to be seen and appreciated. Such outstanding landscape plants are referred to as specimen plants. They are the very best representatives of their species. These plants usually become focal points in the landscape, while other landscaping plants simply serve to provide accents of color or texture that support the specimen plant's presentation.

Plants that support the underlying design around the focal point and accent plants are known as foundation landscaping plants. These plants are often chosen for their color and textures, making good ground covering to carry our attention from one area within the landscape to the next.

Border plants define one landscape area from the next, and generally use color as their tool of choice to signal the transition.

No matter what function you have in mind for the landscaping plants chosen for your design, you must consider their growing requirements if you want them to survive and thrive in your landscape. The term "hardy" is applied to landscape plants in varying degrees to show weather they are heat or cold resistant.

The USDA Hardiness Zone Map shows the average high and low temperatures within every region of the United States. Finding your zone on this map will help you make landscaping plant selections that are right for your climate.

Further consideration should be given to a landscape plant's needs for light and moisture, as well as the type of soil required for optimum growth. The adult size of landscaping plants should be figured in when deciding on space requirements within the landscape design plan.

The art of landscaping takes all aspects of plant life into consideration and weaves these elements into one harmonious design. The overall effect is a landscape that invites you come spend time, whether that involves relaxation or play. A good landscape design plan will help you make the most of your home and surroundings.