1. Identify entry points and locations where color and texture would give your home the most impact. Start with planted containers that you can move around until you get a feel for what works. Experimenting with container plants is easy and inexpensive.

2. Determine which plants have the greatest appeal to you and your color scheme. Make sure they’re adapted to the light levels of the spots you want to “colorize.”

3. Start with focal plants that will anchor your design then experiment with other plants that compliment their colors and textures.

4. Fill in the spaces and enhance the containers. Use the Thriller, Filler, Spiller design concept to add interest and pop to your container and bed plantings. Start with plants you like and change or add to them as you find more colors and textures that add excitement to your design.

5. Use Repetition in your design. Repeating the same plant or plants across the design adds continuity and harmony to the landscape. Avoid a hodgepodge of one-of-everything that looks like a plant collection out of control.

6. Determine your water source and the needs of your plants and design before you begin to plant. Incorporate low volume irrigation systems into your plan.

In future posts, watch for ideas on how to create combination planters created from gallon pots, and our Classic Creations TM, Classic Selections TM and SausEdge TM. This will be an ever-changing part of this blog as warm season annuals and perennials come to the market.