Proper placement of trees and shrubs is our first step.  Plants are spaced to allow for future growth without overcrowding.  Many factors are also considered such as leaf and flower color, fragrance, berries, texture and more.  Good landscape design provides the framework to build on with seasonal color from perennials, annuals and bulbs.  Whether commercial or residential, the design must consider which views are most important to the owner, (inside looking out, or outside the property looking in) which seasons are most important to the owner, and many other factors such as favorite plants and favorite colors.    Please see the examples below or click here for additional examples.

The planting here is meant to be viewed from inside.  Located on Market St. near 39th St., arborvitae were planted to screen the adjacent parking lot (now another building) and street.  The stone beds cover drains installed by the builder.  They help keep drains clean of soil and mulch and mimic small ponds.  Plants were planted away from the windows to give an unobstructed view.  Most of the color here is from shrubs, perennials and bulbs, but some annuals are planted for additional summer color.  Click here for additional examples of seasonal color plantings. 

Spring:

Late Spring:

Summer:

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This planting is meant to be viewed from the house.  Many shrubs were planted haphazardly around the back yard and there was no open space.  Shrubs were moved to a bed created along the border of the property.  This opened up the view from the house and organized the plants to help screen the neighboring property.  A small lawn was carved out in the center of the yard to make some usable space and help to set off  the beds.  Rocks dug up planting shrubs were used to separate the bed from the lawn.  Perennials and bulbs were planted in open spaces in the beds for seasonal color.

After:

After:

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With a good structure of trees and shrubs in place, the final step is the addition of color with perennials, bulbs and annuals.  These finishing touches are often the most noticed part of a landscape.  Color schemes can change with the season and can be changed year to year if desired.  Plants in a given location are chosen by preferences for sun or shade and other factors, but sometimes experimentation can yield surprising results.  Pansies, Tulips and other bulbs in spring;   Impatients, Caladiums, Geraniums, Marigolds and other annuals in summer;  Mums in fall, along with pansies and colorful kale and cabbages right through the winter.   Add to this, dependable long lasting perennials for a property you and your neighbors can enjoy year round.  For a look at individual seasonal plants see the seasonal plants page. 

Spring 1:

Spring 2:

Summer

Fall

Click here for additional examples of seasonal color plantings.