Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
When deciding on your landscape's style, look to your house.
A Southwestern adobe, for instance, suggests an informal garden using cactus and succulent plantings to mimic a natural desert environment.
A symmetrical Colonial home, on the other hand, would look best with an ordered, formal design featuring a traditional stately lawn bordered by manicured, geometric hedges.
And don't overlook the role accessories play in defining the style of your garden. Spreading trellises supporting vining roses are suitable for an English garden, while terra-cotta pots brimming with plants such as bougainvillea or lavender are perfect for a casual Mediterranean feel.
