I just read the article on designing courtyards, and while mine is actually a backyard, it has some of the same properties. In the center you can see a fountain, which I'd like to keep. It breaks the backyard into 4 quadrants separated by a brick and paver walkway. The fountain is surrounded by dark pink earth-kind roses (disease resistant). One quadrant that can't be seen is filled with pea gravel and a outdoor dining area.
I am open to suggestions. It seems very choppy at present. Do I need to replace the roses (which reach the same height as the fountain) with a lower plant, or eliminate altogether planting around the fountain? Should I take out walkways that go to the fountain and put in grass so there is not so much separation? Should I use a different medium in the dining area?