After choosing plants that evoke the style you want and that meet your sun and soil needs, think about how to link these selections.

One technique is to repeat one or more plants in several places to create a unified design and draw the eye from one area of your yard to the next. Another way to achieve a harmonious look is to utilize different plants with similar leaf shapes or forms. Be sure to draw from a similar color palette to avoid a disjointed or garish effect.

When mixing plants, make sure that they are in proportion to one another. Foundation plantings, at the base of your house, should rise up to the structure in layers, with short plants in the front and tall plants at the back. Tall plants serve to frame and accent your house, and low ones encourage the eye to travel.