Flowerbeds

• Flowerbeds fulfill a variety of purposes in the landscape, adding color and fragrance near patios and porches while drawing attention to outlying areas of the yard. Planting annuals or perennials along the edges of sidewalks and foundations helps define these spaces by creating living borders. As central designs, flowerbeds help fill in bare areas of lawn and provide balance between nearby structures and larger trees and shrubs. Choosing flowers in colors that contrast, such as yellow daisies and red roses, creates a visual impact that stands out in the landscape.
  
  

Vegetable Gardens

• Vegetable gardens provide an edible reward and a sense of accomplishment for many gardeners. When choosing a garden site for growing vegetables, look for a flat area that provides full exposure to sunlight. Although some plants, such as squash and watermelon, require large expanses of open soil, many garden plants grow well in limited space, including individual pots. Compact and upright plants such as cherry tomatoes and bush beans are suitable selections for dressing up a patio or porch. Design larger gardens by placing tall plants such as corn near the outside edges to provide wind protection. Grouping plants together according to their watering, weeding and harvesting requirements helps simplify regular gardening tasks.
  
  

Herb Gardens

• Including an herb garden in the yard adds whimsy and purpose in a landscape design. Many herbs prefer loose, well-drained soils. Medicinal, culinary and cosmetic herbs make good use of available soil. Consider placing an herb garden in a sunny location next to a kitchen or patio door. Building a raised bed can decrease the constant bending over to harvest these plants. Popular herbs for herb gardens include lavender, chamomile, dill and rosemary.
  
  

Naturalized Areas

• Although formal, manicured landscapes may be the envy of the neighborhood, many homeowners don't have the time or inclination to work at keeping up a high-maintenance garden. Naturalized areas in the landscape provide attractive yet easy-to-maintain gardening areas. Fill these garden landscapes in with plant selections that are native to your area and grow naturally in the surrounding countryside. For instance, create naturalized areas in arid locations using desert plants, large stones and rock mulches, while using forest ferns, moss and wood chips on shady lawns with moist soil.