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Create a Year-round Framework for Your Garden

Trees, shrubs, structures and walks are permanent features of a landscape. They help define spaces, create focal points and add year round interest to your yard. Strategically placing these items can help increase the beauty and function of your garden.

Create well-defined beds that stand out in the landscape, drawing attention to the garden. Add a specimen tree or shrub with multiple seasons of interest. This could be an evergreen but don’t overlook trees and shrubs that have flowers, fruit, interesting bark or a unique form.

Fences are great backdrops defining the space while arbors can lead you through to other garden spaces. Include a gazebo for relaxing and as a feature in a garden bed.

Create small vignettes within the overall garden. Include a focal point and repeat color and texture to unify the individual beds within the overall landscape.

A bit more information:  Creating groupings of 3, 5 or 7 of the same plants can create impact in the gardens you create. Plus, using fewer species of plants can help reduce ongoing maintenance.

Upcoming
Events & Webinars


Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting

Register here

Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
More information

Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference 
(registration is closed)
La Crosse, WI

Oct. 22, 2026
Wauwatosa Public Library
Wauwatosa, WI
More information

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