An Arlington ResidenceTraditional Landscape, DC Metro

6. Green-Walled Garden RoomA multitrunked crape myrtle tree and an inviting pair of chairs anchor one of multiple garden rooms in this backyard in Arlington, Virginia. Landscape architect Scott Brinitzer selected a variety of hedge plants to create the various garden rooms in the landscape. For this particular room, he used California privet to create a tall screening hedge for privacy and Hicks yew to act as a room divider.Plants include:‘Natchez’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’, zones 6 to 9)California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium, zones 5 to 8)Hicks yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’, zones 4 to 7)Water requirement: Moderate; low once establishedLight requirement: Full sun to partial shadeNote: Privet can be invasive in parts of the Midwest and western U.S.; check with your local nursery before planting. Privet stems and leaves can be toxic to pets if ingested.

7. Enclose garden spaces with year-round foliage. Well-designed gardens make use of plenty of evergreen plants, as they add structure and year-round interest. They also surround areas of the garden with lush foliage, giving an inviting, cozy feeling to garden rooms and outdoor seating areas. Evergreen hedges and trees also benefit garden wildlife by providing small animals with shelter and quick places to hide.Hedgers and Edgers: The 10 Best Shrubs for Structure

Paving patterns: Rectangular slabs are set edge to edge. Ashlar is the pattern for combining multiple sizes of squares and rectangles into one layout, as shown here, and is the most common bluestone paving pattern. Running bond is another common layout for bluestone. With flagstone shapes, you can create more organic layouts.More: See more ways to use bluestone in the landscapeBrowse more patio ideas

Select plants with sound suppression in mind. Wide, dense plantings that include both deciduous and evergreen plants are the most effective for year-round noise abatement. Plants set in motion by the wind create their own sounds that are generally appealing — celebrated in music and literature — and that can help mask offensive noises.

Pay attention to sun and shade requirements and plan the pot placement accordingly.

The peeling bark is a beautiful blend of medium and light browns; it tends to roll as it peels, which adds a unique texture to the garden.

A multitrunked crape myrtle tree and an inviting pair of chairs anchor one of multiple garden rooms in this backyard in Arlington, Virginia. Landscape architect Scott Brinitzer selected a variety of hedge plants to create the various garden rooms in the landscape. For this particular room, he used California privet to create a tall screening hedge for privacy and Hicks yew to act as a room divider.

Hedge in front of seating area to make it feel secluded, separate, but without a fence

A multitrunked crape myrtle tree and an inviting pair of chairs anchor one of multiple garden rooms in this backyard in Arlington, Virginia. Landscape architect Scott Brinitzer selected a variety of hedge plants to create the various garden rooms in the landscape. For this particular room, he used California privet to create a tall screening hedge for privacy and Hicks yew to act as a room divider. Plants include: ‘Natchez’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’, zones 6 to 9) California privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium, zones 5 to 8) Hicks yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’, zones 4 to 7)