Natural materials for a garden can be rocks, sand, dirt, or plants. Rocks can add stability to the soil and help with drainage. Sand adds moisture retention and helps to prevent erosion. Dirt is easy to work with and gives a good organic base for plants. Plants provide beauty, fragrance, food, and shelter in a garden.
Many annual plants and perennials come back year after year, because they are able to reproduce via seed or root. Annual plants typically die back in the winter but often send up new growth in the spring, while perennials keep their foliage all year long. You can choose plants that will perform well in your garden environment, as well as ones that will look good every year.
Succulents, cacti, and agaves are plants that are known for their drought tolerance. succulents such as Turk's Cap and Easter Lily can survive without water for weeks or even months at a time, while cacti like the saguaro can remain standing even in areas with chronic drought. Agaves, in particular, are able to store water in their tissue for long periods of time, making them very resilient to dry conditions.
Water features can be a great way to add interest and functionality to your garden. A simple pond can provide a place for fish and other aquatic creatures, while an elaborate fountain can add sound and motion to your landscape.
Add a splash of color to your outdoor space with some colorful plants. A brightly hued succulent such as Sedum spathulifolium 'Rubescens' or Crassula ovata "Variegata" is a great option for adding brightness to a partially shaded area. Alternatively, add a handsome fern, like Nephrolepis europaea "Alba", to create a more subtle effect.
1. Choose a garden with native plants to keep your garden organized and neat looking. 2. Plant pathways with flowering plants such as Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, or Penstemon. 3. Plant beds with colorful annual flowers for an aesthetic appeal. 4. Include some groundcover plants like Switchgrass or Creeping Thyme to soften the look of the paths and beds. 5. Keep areas around entryways tidy by planting shrubs such as American Holly or Toyon to block views and break up the outline of the entrance.
